Amarillo Magazine | October 2020

OCTOBER 2020

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BETTER HEALTH AT ANY AGE $5.95 US AMARILLO MAGAZINE

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CONTENTS 20

5 CONTRIBUTORS 6 ANDY’S WORLD 8 CHIP’S CORNER HOME 10 BETTER BREATHING COVER STORY 14 BETTER HEALTH AT ANY AGE Resources to get you feeling your best

FEATURES 20 AMARILLO’S GOLDEN GIRLS

Simply Fit Gym’s specialized class for older women

22 PENNY THE MINIATURE DACHSHUND

22

Winner of the 2020 Amarillo Magazine Cutest Pet Contest

24 2020 PINK PAGES

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28 37 PHOTO BY D. MALDONADO

WHAT’S COOKING? 28 SEASONAL NUTRITION 37 LET’S EAT! 44 EVENTS 46 PANHANDLE PERSPECTIVE 48 20 QUESTIONS

46 RJ SOLEYJACKS, PRINCIPAL, BIVINS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL, AMARILLO INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT

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Editor’s Letter

Regional Director of Specialty Products/Editor Michele McAffrey 806.345.3256 mmcaffrey@amarillo.com Regional Designer Kayla Morris Contributing Writers Jonathan Baker Jason Boyett Chip Chandler Andy Chase Cundiff

Contributing Photographer Shannon Richardson

General Manager/Advertising Director Belinda Mills Account Representatives Sharon Denny Jaime Pipkin To advertise in Amarillo Magazine or on amarillomagonline.com, please contact Belinda Mills at 345.3373.

Regional Executive Editor Jill Nevels-Haun Regional Distribution Director David Morel Regional Accounting Manager Sheryl Rycerz

600 S. Tyler St., Suite 2300, Amarillo, TX 79101 806.376.4488 • amarillomagonline.com Amarillo Magazine is a monthly publication of AGN Media. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without prior written consent. Letters to the Editor are welcome but may be edited due to space limitations.

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AMARILLOMAGONLINE.COM • OCTOBER 2020

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We’ve passed the first day of fall, and due to the isolation we experienced this past summer, it feels as if we skipped it entirely. 2020 has certainly been a challenge thus far.

Our October issue focuses on local resources that you can access as we approach the winter months and more time indoors. This year has tended to shine a light on our priorities, and most of my friends and family have realized the importance of good health. While it’s important to stay active, it’s equally important to continue to be mindful of our mental and emotional health during these trying times. We hope our recommendations help you feel a sense of control as you take a healthier approach to daily living.

Our “Home” feature this month was an eye-opener for me. My husband suffers from terrible allergy symptoms, and it seems we’re always trying to find him relief. We’ve tackled more than our average amount of home improvement projects over the past months, and next on the to-do list is looking into wholehouse filtration in hopes of improving his quality of life. It’s always wonderful to learn new things as we produce each issue, especially when it’s a concern that hits close to home.

Our friends at United Supermarkets share their expertise this month and provide a few healthy recipes perfect for fall. Registered Dietician Brenda Garcia decodes Nutrition Facts labels and also breaks down ingredients that might cause health problems if not eaten in moderation or avoided all-together.

While the past few months have brought their challenges, I remain grateful for the opportunity to produce Amarillo Magazine. It’s a project that is a passion for everyone who contributes to our pages. We’re proud of our city, and proud to share its best people and resources with our readers. As the temperatures drop, make sure to take the time to enjoy the beautiful weather – it’s been a remarkably mild few weeks – take a walk to see the gorgeous fall foliage, enjoy a backyard fire pit, carve some pumpkins. We have much for which to be thankful.

Contributors

SHANNON RICHARDSON

JONATHAN BAKER

JASON BOYETT

CHIP CHANDLER

Jonathan’s copywriting has appeared in Esquire, Men’s Journal, and Popular Mechanics. In his spare time, he writes crime novels.

Jason has written more than a dozen books and is the host and creator of “Hey Amarillo,” a local interview podcast.

Visit heyamarillo.com and jasonboyett.com.

Chip is a senior communications specialist at WTAMU. A Canadian High School graduate and awardwinning journalist, he has covered arts and entertainment in Amarillo since 1998. He is a member of the national GALECA critics group, has seen every Best Picture Oscar winner and watches way too much television.

Writer

Writer

Writer

Photographer

Shannon has been photographing commercial/advertising work for more than 30 years.

See Shannon’s work at shannonrichardson.com and route66americanicon.com.

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Andy’s World

Cliches can be Our Friends

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riting songs, poetry or even short stories for a magazine, sometimes you look for the perfect word. If you have any integrity, you ALWAYS look for the perfect word.

Since I have none, I tend toward cliches.

I recently ran across a list (you can find it online) of 681 cliches that should NEVER be used in writing. This irritated me, mostly for four reasons: 1. Cliches can be a colorful, imaginative use of our language.

Generations come up so fast that there are always a great number of cliches that are actually new to the “new” people, and some learning can literally take place in the process of investigating the origins of cliches in the context of our language.

2. Cliches have been around for a long time, tested and true (there’s a great cliche). That’s how they get to be cliches.

3. There are so many cliches on that stupid list that without them you might not be able to speak English, and finally, 4. Who died and left them God? So, being the contrary being that I am, I decided to write a cliche piece in protest. Why not?

I may be labeled a pain in the neck, or accused of having an ax to grind, but all’s fair in love and war, and I figure it’s all in a day’s work, so what the heck? It could be a rough row to hoe, but another day another dollar. That’s six, and we’re still in the A’s.

A word to the wise, as luck would have it, most people that overuse cliches are a good kind soul, a far cry from dull, simply using what they heard from their folks. You know, a chip off the old block.

Blood is thicker than water, and in a family there is one who is always the Big Cheese, bigger than life, a big fish in a small pond. The one who has so many colorful turns of phrase it is like a badge of honor. As a young writer, I always wondered if I could cut the mustard.

By hook or by crook, I left home and got into radio, where I was as busy as a bee for many years as a copy/commercial writer and on-air personality.

When I was called onto the carpet on my last radio job, it sort of opened a can of worms. I felt caught in the crossfire of wanting to freelance, and my passion for radio. I was chomping at the bit to do both, but got the cold shoulder from radio. I played it close to the vest and decided to cross that river when I got to it.

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Day in and day out, I had done the dog and pony show of early morning radio for years, it was dog-eat-dog, and I was dog-tired. I didn’t burn any bridges, didn’t step on any toes, just drew the line and began thinking of myself as a dyed-in-the-wool creative.

Since I had an eagle eye for spotting creative work, which came as easy as pie to me, I kept my ear to the ground for gigs and jobs, which evened the playing field for me, and finally told radio, eat your heart out.

So, full steam ahead, feast or famine, I decided to find out if my 15 minutes of fame had expired, or if I was still a force to be reckoned with.

I got a leg up with several local play dates in clubs and restaurants.

Getting my feet wet was a good idea, and soon I was going for broke, going the extra mile, and my music career began growing like a weed.

I can’t say it’s ever been hand to mouth. I’ve always been pretty spoiled. But I’m as happy as a clam doing freelance creative work. I have always had high hopes and occasionally we hit pay dirt with a big road gig or a stadium show.

Still, to anyone that says it’s easy, I beg to differ.

You can get in over your head in a jiffy if you don’t know what you’re doing. In this day and age, it goes without saying that it doesn’t pay to live in an ivory tower. You have to be a jack of all trades to jockey for position, especially if you are a Johnny come lately. But be fearless!

Jump in with both feet! Keep a stiff upper lip! Keep your eyes open!

Keep your chin up! Keep your powder dry! Keep your fingers crossed!

Knuckle down! You’ll knock it out of the park! I know you will!

Last but not least, in order to land on your feet, you must be sure that what you do is a labor of love. You must look before you leap, always live and learn, and above all, don’t lose your head.

Make hay while the sun is shining but remember: Making money hand over fist isn’t the object. If you think it is, you’ve missed the boat. I’m out of space, but by FAR not out of cliches.

Well, no use crying over spilled milk.

ANDY CHASE CUNDIFF Andy is a local artist, singer and songwriter, and has called Amarillo home for more than 20 years. He plays at a variety of live music venues throughout the Panhandle. Contact Andy at 376-7918.

Chip’s Corner

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s fall arrives and temperatures cool, we’ll see what’s actually in store for the entertainment scene. You can probably forget about any major Halloween parties; costume masks probably aren’t too effective at keeping Miss Rona at bay.

Amarillo arts groups are still hoping to start rolling out their seasons in the weeks ahead, and movie theaters are (at least at press time) tentatively open again. What used to be called the fall television season is now just coming out in fits and starts. The book industry’s biggest releases should still come out, though they’re still feeling the COVID-19 punch, too.

And this all assumes that the arrival of colder weather and fewer opportunities to move activities outdoors won’t cause another explosion of cases and put us in another shutdown situation. (We’re either 10 months or 10 years into 2020, your call.) Remember, all dates are subject to change.

Amarillo Arts and Entertainment

AMARILLO MUSEUM OF ART’S 12 X 12 ART EXHIBITION AND ONLINE AUCTION: The 15th annual

fundraiser is going big in response to the big challenges of the year. Artists, who normally make artwork that’s 12 inches all around, will make 20 x 20 works instead. The viewing party and silent auction is typically the most boisterous night of the year at the museum, but such nights are out of the picture still. Instead, the exhibition will be on view from Oct. 2 to 4 at the museum, 2200 S. Van Buren St., and each piece may also be viewed (and bid upon) on the museum’s website. Bidding runs Oct. 2 to 8. (806-371-5050, amoa.org)

AMARILLO LITTLE THEATRE ACADEMY’S “THE TEN (THOUSAND) PROBLEMS OF A TEENAGE GIRL)”: Carrie Huckabay, one of ALT’s most popular actors and a well-regarded Academy instructor, pens what she bills “an honest look at a teen girl’s life.” A series of monologues and vignettes will explore some of the biggest headaches in a teenager’s world. It’s set to be staged Oct. 9 to 11 on the ALT Main Stage, 2019 Civic Circle. (806-355-9991, amarillolittletheatre.org)

JAZZTOBER: Center City of Amarillo had to

cancel the summer tradition High Noon on the Square thanks to pandemic restrictions, but they’re hoping to bring back outdoor music with this annual fall concert series. Four of Amarillo’s top jazz bands will swing and bop in weekly Tuesday night concerts, beginning at 6:30 p.m. weekly on the grounds of the Amarillo Chamber of Commerce, 1000 S. Polk St. Concerts are free, and picnic baskets and blankets (as well as social distancing) are encouraged.

(806-372-6744, centercity.org)

CHAMBER MUSIC AMARILLO’S “BRIDGING THE ATLANTIC”: Violinist

Evgeny Zvonnikov and pianist Diego Caetano will team up for an intimate evening of sonatas. On the bill are works by Claude Debussy, Joaquin Turina, Heitor Villa-Lobos and John Corigliano. The concert is set to begin at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 9 in the Amarillo Botanical Gardens, 1400 Streit Drive.

(806-236-3545, cmama.org)

AMARILLO LITTLE THEATRE’S “THE CURIOUS INCIDENT OF THE DOG 8

AMARILLOMAGONLINE.COM • OCTOBER 2020

IN THE NIGHT-TIME”: After a successful

late-summer run of Stephen Karam’s “The Humans,” ALT took a break and will resume its season with a Mainstage performance of this acclaimed play. It’s an adaptation of Mark Haddon’s acclaimed novel about a teen boy with autism who plays detective in an attempt to figure out who killed his neighbor’s pet.

It’s a remarkably insightful work about the attempt to impose order on what the New York Times’ Ben Brantley called “the bewildering world outside” in his review of the 2014 Broadway production of the drama. The play will run Oct. 22 to Nov. 1 on the ALT Mainstage, 2019 Civic Circle. (806-355-9991, amarillolittletheatre.org)

AMARILLO SYMPHONY: The orchestra

will continue the first half of conductor Jacomo Bairos’ final season with its second digital-only concert on Oct. 22. Bairos will lead the symphony in Aaron Copland’s beloved “Appalachian Spring” and Igor Stravinsky’s “L’Histoire du soldat.” The performances will be recorded and released in full to season subscribers via a private link in their email.

Nonsubscribers can still enjoy the artistry on the symphony’s social media channels. (806-376-8782, amarillosymphony.org)

LONE STAR BALLET’S “WOLF”: The

dance company is ready to howl with this revival of its spooky show about leaping, pirouetting werewolves. The show is set for Oct. 23 and 24 in the Amarillo Civic Center Complex Auditorium, 401 S. Buchanan St. (806-372-2463, lonestarballet.org)

CHAMBER MUSIC AMARILLO’S FAZIOLI CONCERT SERIES: CMA has

another concert on the books for October – a special spotlight on its magnificent Fazioli piano on Oct. 24 in a location yet to be announced. Pianist Andrey Ponochevney will tackle Frédéric Chopin’s “24 Preludes” and Sergei Rachmaninoff’s Piano Sonata No. 1 in D Minor, a darkly resounding work that’s somewhat infrequently performed, making this a potentially rare treat. (806-376-8782, cmama.org)

Movies

“THE TRIAL OF THE CHICAGO 7”:

Aaron Sorkin returns to the political arena in this timely look back at the tumultuous Democratic National Convention of 1968 and a trial, a year later, of demonstrators charged with conspiracy and inciting riots. Stars include Eddie Redmayne, Sacha

Baron Cohen, Jeremy Strong, Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Mark Rylance.

(Oct. 16, Netflix)

“CANDYMAN”: The iconic Black-centric horror

film gets a contemporary makeover from director Nia DaCosta, stars Yahya Abdul-Mateen II and Teyonah Parris and producer Jordan Peele (“Get Out”).

(Oct. 16, in theaters)

“REBECCA”: Director Ben Wheatley (“Free Fire”) and stars Armie Hammer, Lily James and Kristin Scott Thomas go back to Daphne du Maurier’s original novel for this new film version of a story belovedly told by Alfred Hitchcock in 1940. (Oct. 21, Netflix)

“DEATH ON THE NILE”: Kenneth Branagh returns as Hercule Poirot (as well as the film’s director) in another star-studded Agatha Christie adaptation, this time featuring Gal Gadot, Armie Hammer, Rose Leslie, Annette Bening, Jennifer Saunders and Letitia Wright, among others. Plus a death. On the Nile. (Oct. 23, in theaters)

Books

“LEAVE THE WORLD BEHIND”:

Rumaan Alam’s third novel (already optioned for a Netflix movie reuniting Julia Roberts and Denzel Washington) is a thriller about a wealthy white family and an even wealthier Black couple who are trapped together as civilization, perhaps, is falling apart out in the wider world. (Oct. 6)

“PLAIN BAD HEROINES”: Emily M.

Danforth (“The Miseducation of Cameron Post”) makes her adult fiction debut with a horror-comedy revolving around a cursed New England boarding school for girls. More than 100 years after some students are found dead, a bestselling book becomes a controversial film. The buzz is high for this story within a story within a story. (Oct. 20)

Television

“EMILY IN PARIS”: Prepare to swoon when

Lily Collins stars in the latest romantic series from creator Darren Star (“Sex and the City,” “Younger”).

(Oct. 2, Netflix)

“THE MANDALORIAN”: The “Star

Wars”-universe space Western returns for a second season with the tight-lipped bounty hunter, a black lightsaber-wielding warlord and, of course, Baby Yoda. (Oct. 30, Disney+)

Janey’s Picks

Look for us on Spotify and Poshmark

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Home

Better Breathing Reducing allergens with whole-house purification

By Jason Boyett

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ast month was a bad one for allergy sufferers. September pestered local sinus passages with cold north winds and high pollen counts. Those are pretty typical, but the smoke from Colorado and California wildfires were a new phenomenon – and made allergies even worse. Spring gets most of the annual attention, but fall is ragweed season. Allergy sufferers had no way to escape it other than staying home.

But what if the air and dust inside your home also trigger allergies?

Today’s homes are more energy-efficient than ever before, which means any air pollutants that get inside the house tend to stay inside the house.

Everything from dust mites to pet dander can inflame asthma and

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worsen allergy problems. Without adequate filtration, they might just keep circulating through the air ducts.

Given the pandemic, most locals have become more aware of indoor air quality than ever before, and may have turned their attention lately to devices like humidifiers or in-room air purifiers to improve indoor conditions. With that in mind, we asked Dustin Burnam, a senior HVAC technician and the “comfort advisor” at Gary’s Heating and Air Conditioning, for a professional perspective on keeping indoor air clean.

Here are a few of his recommendations.

Avoid the expensive allergy air filters Most homeowners understand the most basic level of filtration is keeping air filters clean. Manufacturers typically suggest replacing them every month or two. While residents with pets or allergies should follow that suggestion, others might be able to replace them every 90 days. In addition to frequency, the type of air filter is important. Burnam warns against using what he calls the expensive, “golly-gee-whiz” high-end filters – like those specifically designed by 3M to prevent allergies.

These heavily pleated, densely packed filters can cost $20 to $25 and promise to trap every microscopic particle of pollen or dust. But they can potentially cause more harm than good. “They have to make those allergen-protection filters so thick to catch those particles that they actually restrict air flow, which in essence will put stress on your blower motors or your compression outside,” Burnam says.

In the process of capturing more dust, the filters can slow down air intake. With too little air passing through, a heating and air conditioning system may try to compensate by drawing in air that’s not filtered – like the air surrounding the blower cabinet. That means potentially more allergens, plus enough mechanical strain to cause premature equipment failure.

Most HVAC professionals suggest a mid-range, $10 filter that captures dust and pollen particles without restricting airflow. But Burnam recommends going one step further: an air cleaner.

Call in the AirRanger

For customers concerned about reducing dust and allergens, Gary’s frequently recommends installing a product called the Clean Air Defense System AirRanger, which is an electronic air cleaner that installs in the standard filter rack of a traditional healing and cooling system. It takes the place of a regular filter. “It’s typically one of the most popular items we sell to cut down on dust and overall system maintenance costs,” Burnam says.

While traditional filters may capture 3 to 5% of the particles in the air, the AirRanger captures 97% of microscopic airborne particles. “This will reduce the smaller dirt and dust particles that flare up allergies, asthma problems, sinus problems and keep your heating and air system a lot cleaner,” says Burnam.

He gives an example of its use. “If you have a typical house with one 20-by-25 [inch] filter in the hallway, you take down that filter and put a 20-by-25 AirRanger in its place,” he says. The low-voltage AirRanger connects to electric terminals on a furnace’s control board, using the power supply to magnetize a media pad inside it. The activated-carbon media inside the frame is highly efficient at removing pollen, dust, odors and even cigarette smoke. It

needs to be replaced every few months.

Larger houses with multiple filters should consider replacing around 75% of their filtration with an AirRanger, says Burnam, who has them in his own home. “My wife has really bad allergies and sinus problems that flare up different times of the year. These cut down on her sneezing and she doesn’t have to take as many products or medications to help,” he says.

While the initial investment may end up being a little more expensive than standard filters, the air cleaners are much more efficient at trapping particles than thick allergyreducing filters – without the potential maintenance issues.

“When we open up an indoor unit at a home that uses an AirRanger, typically it’s a lot cleaner than one that runs with a standard filter,” says Burnam.

Add integrated humidification

Amarillo’s climate is famously dry – especially in the fall and winter – which can amplify the impact of allergens and unhealthy particulates. The human body does a pretty efficient job at natural filtration, using the moist surfaces of the nasal passages and lungs to catch potential contaminants. But when those tissues dry out, our bodies become much less-efficient filters. That’s why respiratory issues tend to spike in the winter months.

“A typical house in the wintertime around here is roughly 9 to 12% humidity,” Burnam says. That’s extremely dry. In fact, the average daytime relative humidity in the Mojave Desert can be at least 20%. The more a heating unit runs during cold weather, the drier a house will become.

Research shows that respiratory illnesses like the flu spread more easily in dry air, which is why most hospital environments use humidity as a prevention strategy. That’s also why public health experts have warned of spiking COVID-19 cases during the winter.

Humidity keeps the nasal passages moist, which can reduce a homeowner’s susceptibility to allergens, contaminants, bacteria and viruses. Many residents turn to inexpensive tabletop humidifiers during the winter.

Unfortunately, those don’t always work as well as one might hope – especially in a larger home.

They might even be making things worse. “A lot of people will use humidifiers that service one particular room, but if you’re not using distilled water, those can have a negative effect on your heating and cooling system,” warns Burnam. Amarillo’s tap water is notoriously “hard” because it primarily comes from underground sources. The high mineral count isn’t bad for health but can be bad for air filters. When tap water is used for an in-room humidifier, the minerals in the water get distributed into the air. “I’ve gone to numerous calls where the filter gets clogged up because of the minerals in the air from the tap water,” he says. “It can actually cause a system to go into failure.”

A better solution is an integrated whole-house humidifier,

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which HVAC technicians can install to humidify the air at the system level rather than room to room. While a cool-mist humidifier from Walgreen’s might release a gallon or two of moisture into the room every few hours, integrated systems connect directly to a home’s plumbing, distributing multiple gallons of moisture into the air as it travels through the ducts.

“When we install these, we actually bring out a plumber and they tie it into the hot-water side of the hot water tank, so it’s got a continuous water stream going to it. You don’t have to do anything as far as filling it up. You just turn the unit on,” Burnam says. Control systems allow homeowners to set and maintain precise humidity levels in their homes. Burnam keeps his own house at 45% humidity year-round.

Best of all, the water doesn’t have to be distilled. A water panel on the unit captures any calcification but gets changed out yearly.

While these humidification systems can be expensive – a typical installation is more than $2,000 – residents can definitely feel the results.

Shine a light

A final potential line of defense against allergens comes in the form of ultraviolet (UV) light. UV light kills viruses, bacteria, molds and mildews and is frequently installed in

institutional settings, including hospitals and water treatment facilities. UV lights are even becoming popular additions to restaurant kitchens as these businesses work to keep their public spaces as healthy as possible.

In an air conditioning unit, the refrigerant inside the evaporator coil creates a perpetually dark, wet and cold environment. This can provide a perfect breeding ground for molds and mildews. But molds and mildews don’t grow in the presence of ultraviolet light. Installing a UV light in the supply ductwork can dramatically reduce the potential for bacteria or mold spores to find their way into the air flow and inside the house.

“It shines up in that supply ductwork so any air that goes across it is basically neutralized,” says Burnam. “The one we offer has a really big ‘kill range,’ as we call it. That provides protection all the way through the actual supply ductwork that goes room to room within your house.”

A UV light unit is relatively easy to install and incredibly effective at breaking down any pathogens or organic material that may be circulating in the home. But it doesn’t have any impact on dust, so is best used in tandem with an air cleaner.

Most HVAC companies serving the Amarillo area offer these allergen-reducing solutions for homeowners and businesses.

Six Steps to Reduce Indoor Allergens While installing whole-home purification and humidification systems can have a dramatic effect on allergies, a few smaller steps will also help keep your indoor environment tolerable.

Dampen your dusting. Multiple allergens are contained in dust particles. Brushing dust off a table with a feather duster or dry cloth simply moves it elsewhere – like onto the floor or carpet.

Experts suggest using a damp microfiber cloth to trap the dust.

Dust beyond the tabletops. Ceiling fans and blinds trap plenty of dust but aren’t always as visible as a dusty tabletop. Don’t ignore these spaces.

Wash pillowcases frequently. Asthma, sneezing and other common allergies are often caused by dust mites, microscopic creatures which live in dust and eat human skin cells. They thrive in pillows and carpeting. In addition to frequent washing, consider containing your pillow in a specialized dust-mite-proof pillow cover. (Dust covers are also helpful on mattresses.)

Keep the windows closed. Warm daytime temperatures may be enticing in the fall, but open windows let in extra dust – especially when the wind is blowing. It may also help to remove your shoes while indoors.

Switch to wood floors. Wood planks trap less dust than carpet. For allergy sufferers, experts recommend wood or tile flooring instead of carpet. Mop your floors, and if you have area rugs, wash them frequently.

Vacuum better. Consider using a bagless vacuum with a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter, which is more effective in capturing pollen and other allergens. And don’t just focus on the floor, but also on upholstered furniture.

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Here When You Need Us,

Close to Home

Don’t put your health on hold! You can feel safe seeking emergency care from the Northwest ER at Town Square and the Northwest ER on Georgia.

Our medical teams offer quality, advanced care while focusing on the smaller details that help save lives, like strict hygiene protocol, proper hand washing and enhanced cleaning processes.

If you’re having a medical emergency, call 9-1-1 or go to the nearest emergency room.

Northwest Emergency on Georgia 4121 S. Georgia St., Amarillo, TX 79110 (I-27 and Georgia)

Northwest Emergency at Town Square 8960 Hillside Rd., Amarillo, TX 79119 (Hillside and Soncy)

Physicians are independent practitioners who are not employees or agents of Northwest Texas Healthcare System. The system shall not be liable for actions or treatments provided by physicians. For language assistance, disability accommodations and the non-discrimination notice, visit our website. 200110-8214 8/20

OCTOBER 2020 • AMARILLOMAGONLINE.COM

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Cover Story

BETTER HEALTH AT ANY AGE Resources to get you feeling your best

By Jonathan Baker 14

AMARILLOMAGONLINE.COM • OCTOBER 2020

H

ealth and wellness have always been important, but these days, health concerns are at the forefront of everyone’s mind. Luckily, despite the pandemic, there are plenty of options to keep you feeling your best: mind, body and soul. Amarillo has a wealth of healthful opportunities, if you know where to look. Here are some of our favorite resources.

BODY Vision

Many of us are still working from home, staring at our computer or phone screens for hours on end. To prevent eye strain, it’s important to take frequent breaks. And, as winter looms and cold weather descends, your eyes can grow even more tired and itchy. To keep your eyes healthy this winter, the experts at Broome Optical recommend running a humidifier in your home, using eye drops to keep your eyes moist, and wearing blue light filtering glasses. It’s also always important to continue to keep up with comprehensive yearly eye exams, even with social distancing mandates.

Fitness

Over the past months, people have begun to head back outside – not only to escape the confines of home, but also to find time for wellness. Running, walking and biking have become more popular than ever. Meanwhile, as gyms have opened back up, they’ve instituted protocols to keep clients safe during the COVID pandemic. For example, the Amarillo Town Club requires masks of all employees and guests except while in the pool. The club is also enforcing a 50% occupancy rate, while requiring social distancing, shutting down steam rooms and hot tubs, and placing a 10-person capacity restriction on group classes.

Several Amarillo organizations are offering services beyond standard gym classes and equipment, as locals strive to make their health a top priority. The Center for Functional Medicine uses a systems-based approach to identify the root causes of illness, viewing the patient as a whole organism rather than a collection of organs. Applying an innovative approach to health care (or an ancient one, depending on your perspective), the center emphasizes an allaround dedication to wellness, prevention, fitness and nutrition. The Center’s team of physicians and fitness and nutrition coaches offers group classes – and the group even offers discounted memberships at the Amarillo Town Club.

For yoga lovers, Amarillo’s Hotworx facility offers a sauna environment, where the infrared heat absorption guarantees a next-level workout. According to health advocates, infrared heat exercise can heal old wounds, reduce stress, boost the immune system, improve flexibility, energy, clarity and focus, balance our internal systems and detoxify our bodies, all while helping us lose weight. But Hotworx doesn’t stop with yoga – it also offers other types of workouts, including “hot Pilates” and “hot cycle.” And the facility is open 24 hours; that means you’re likely to have the sauna to yourself if you visit late.

Skin Health

For many Amarilloans, living under pandemic conditions has caused new skin problems to emerge. Lack of sunlight, prolonged mask wearing, and excessive personal hygiene can be hell on the epidermis. The term “maskne” (mask + acne) arose on social media as the wearing of masks resulted in breakouts from skin irritation around the nose, lips and chin. The experts at Proffer Surgical Associates recommend washing skin with warm water – not hot – and using mild products to cleanse and moisturize. A humidifier can help with dryness, and fragrance-free products will reduce irritation.

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AGING Aging well means paying attention to a number of factors, from diet and exercise to supplements, cognitive exercises, skin care, breathwork and more.

Body Transformation

As you age, remaining active and eating a well-rounded diet (with very little sugar and processed foods) will help with muscle tone, strength and mobility. However, sometimes diet and exercise simply aren’t enough to produce the results we want. Cosmetic surgery has gained much wider acceptance in recent years, and for many, it’s a great option. Amarilloarea options include breast augmentation, “mommy makeovers,” tummy tucks, body contouring, liposuction, Botox, skin care and laser rejuvenation. Of course, prevention will keep your body and skin looking younger longer, and doctors recommend daily sunscreen use if you’re spending time outside.

Elder Wellness

Bfit – the outpatient therapy gym at Bivins Pointe – provides a great local option to ensure you stay healthy as you age. The facility (which is closed for COVID, but should be open again in due time) offers therapists that specialize in individual care, including physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech therapy. Best if all, Bfit provides free transportation to and from appointments.

Senior Living

Recent studies have shown that strength training is of vital importance if you want to stay strong and healthy in your later years. Other important factors for elder health include remaining socially active, eating well, and raising your heartrate through exercise.

Nevertheless, during our later years, sometimes we need a little help with daily life. There are a number of excellent facilities in the region that provide in-home care, assisted living, memory care, rehabilitation, and “respite support” (temporary help during family illnesses or vacations). Superior options include Bivins Pointe, the Craig Senior Living, and Georgia Manor. If you’re looking for help at home, Visiting Angels has been helping seniors live their best lives for more than two decades.

DENTAL All-Around Dental Care

Sure, we’re in the middle of a pandemic, but that doesn’t mean that taking care of your teeth isn’t important! Even if you don’t leave the house all day, you should still brush (at least) twice a day, floss daily, and limit acidic and sugary foods. Staying on top of your dental health remains as important as ever – and that means not falling into the habit of letting appointments slip by. Area dentists are doing everything possible to keep you safe, including requiring mask wearing and limiting waiting room capacity.

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Pediatric Dentistry

When it comes to dental health, good habits need to start early – and so do regular dental visits. You should begin cleaning your child’s mouth shortly after birth, and begin brushing their teeth gently as soon as they begin to come in (usually around 6 months). As they grow older, supervise them to make sure they are brushing properly, and that they don’t swallow the toothpaste. The staff at Amarillo Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics recommends scheduling the first dental visit within six months of the appearance of your child’s first teeth. We recommend a morning appointment, when children tend to be calmer, rather than an afternoon one – a time when many kids become cranky.

MIND Student Mental Health

Rural Mental Health

These days, West Texans need mental health care more than ever.

The therapists, clinicians and nurses at WT are aware of this need, and they’re doing something about it. Last month, the university announced a new graduate-level certificate program designed to increase the number of qualified mental-health professionals in the region. The program allows students to enroll in a post-master’s graduate certificate program “to become a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner.” We look forward to seeing the rural Panhandle reap the benefits of this program in coming years. In the meantime, West Texas A&M continues to offer mental-health services to WT students who are struggling during the COVID pandemic – or for any other reason. Those services include personal counseling, group counseling, crisis intervention, and therapy assistance online.

For all of its enrolled students, Amarillo College offers mental health referrals and interventions for COVID isolation, test anxiety, time management issues, life transitions, depression, anxiety – or if you just need someone to talk to. The Amarillo College Counseling Center is open for scheduled 45-minute appointments, with a dedication to helping students overcome barriers and grow into the person they want to be.

General Mental Health

After suffering a devastating fire at their downtown headquarters, the fearless folks at Family Support Services have shown how resilient Panhandle people can be. Despite the setback, Jim Womack, Brandi Reed and the rest of the staff have redoubled their efforts “to empower individuals and families through comprehensive advocacy, education, and intervention counseling services.” The number of services FSS offers is mind-blowing; if you’re struggling, Family Support Services can probably help. And all of their services are either free or extremely low-cost.

Young Minds

The teachers and support staff at AISD, Canyon, River Road, Highland Park, Bushland and beyond have shown once again why they’re worthy of praise. Panhandle teachers and administrators are currently facing a once-in-a-lifetime crisis – and they continue to meet the challenge. With myriad distance-learning options and safety protocols, Panhandle school districts are working to enrich student’s minds while remaining aware of their mental health needs. To make things easier on your kids during this difficult school year (whether they are attending in person or doing distance learning), the CDC recommends taking plenty of breaks, getting lots of sleep, exercising frequently (including outdoor play), eating well and staying socially connected.

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Healing Resources for those in the LGBTQ community There was a time when “growing up gay in West Texas” was a scary proposition. Things are slowly changing, and there’s plenty of compassionate help available. Family Support Services offers mental health resources for LGBTQ folks who are struggling, and for those dealing with HIV or AIDS, PASO (the Panhandle AIDS Support Organization) provides a welcoming environment – as well as access to medical and social services. Meanwhile, Panhandle Pride has been working “to create a thriving LGBTQ community in the Panhandle areas through enhanced individual self-worth and cultural pride,” and the LGBT Alliance of Amarillo “promotes equality to spread pride around the globe, one beautiful soul at a time.” Finally, for gay, lesbian and trans college students, West Texas A&M’s Buff Allies group ensures that no Buffaloes feel left out of the university community.

SPIRIT Self-Care

It’s been a long few months, and a day at the spa is probably in order. Massages, facials, body treatments, and makeovers can provide a perfect chance to unwind and ease your mind. Perhaps most importantly, a visit to the spa is a way to tell yourself that you care about yourself – and that everything’s going to be OK. There are a number of great options in Amarillo, including Awaken Med Spa, Indulge Salon and Day Spa, The Spa at Proffer Surgical, and the Scarlet Door Salon and Day Spa. Local spa establishments have instituted safety protocols during the COVID crisis, but we recommend calling ahead if you have specific questions about a given spa’s safety measures.

Salt Therapy

Salt therapy may just be the treatment you never knew you needed. Third Coast Salt’s salt rooms (also known as halotherapy) help to remove toxicity from the respiratory system, improve skin appearance and function, and boost the immune system. The treatment is antibacterial and anti-inflammatory, and it removes airborne pollen while reducing immune system oversensitivity. If that weren’t enough, the spa also offers massage therapy, biomat therapy and yoga classes. Membership isn’t required, although members do gain access to all kinds of benefits.

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Massage

If you’ve been working from home, hunched over your computer all day, a massage will do more good than you ever could have dreamed. Massages are proven to reduce muscle tension and improve circulation, while helping with issues like anxiety, depression, headaches, and even PTSD. If you’re worried about COVID infection, many local massage therapists are willing to visit you in your home and wear a mask while they work on your tight muscles.

Acupuncture

Body pains and injuries can be debilitating, conditions that can be exacerbated by the stress of a viral epidemic.

The benefits of acupuncture are virtually endless; the treatment can help with stress, back and joint pain, depression, headaches, eye strain, digestive conditions, autoimmune disorders, allergy problems, and on and on.

The expert acupuncturists at Creek Stone Integrated Care & Spa have trained for years to learn to apply this ancient treatment, and consultations are free.

CBD

In June of 2019, the State of Texas legalized the sale of hemp-extracted CBD oil without a doctor’s prescription.

Since then, thousands of Texans have used CBD (cannabidiol) to help with everything from pain relief to sleep troubles to anxiety and depression – and even to help alleviate cancer-related symptoms. While CBD shops have been popping up all over the city, one of the first sources in town was tried-and-true Valmed Home Health & Pharmacy Solutions. Valmed carries reputable CBD products that “provide a Certificate of Analysis on each product.”

HOBBIES Gardening

We’ve all been stuck inside too much this year. But it’s never too early to start planning a garden. Decide now to have the yard of your dreams in 2021, and get to work.

Winter is a great time to perform weed-killing measures on your lawn, so that the pesky plants don’t return in the spring (just make sure to use pollinator-friendly products). There’s also plenty of warm weather left in the year to construct trellises, install outdoor planters, and clean up existing beds – not to mention doing some research on what you plan to grow. Then, when the growing season hits, you’ll be ready to go. What better way to counteract the detrimental effects of spending too much time indoors than to get outside and grow something? Gardening provides so much of what we need right now: fresh air, creativity and safe social distancing.

Beekeeping

In recent decades, climate change and the rampant use of pesticides have resulted in a troubling loss in the number of America’s bees. But you can do your part to fight this trend by becoming a beekeeper. Out in Canyon, George and Paige Nester have shown everyone just how viable a Panhandle bee operation can be. Creek House Honey Farm offers beekeeping classes (just 30 bucks for adults), where you’ll learn everything you need to know to set your world buzzing.

Hiking

Well, it goes without saying that our beloved canyon is the coolest hiking site in the region; in fact, it’s one of the finest hiking places in all of the United States. From the more famous Lighthouse and Rock Garden trails,

to lesser-known jaunts like the Pioneer Nature Trail or the Capitol Peak Trail, there’s something for everyone down inside the red-dirt wonderland. But hiking alone can be dangerous, so bring a quarantine buddy, or sign on with the Amarillo Hiking Club, whose nearly 600-large membership can be found on MeetUp.com.

Running

Is there a better pandemic exercise than running? All you need is a good pair of shoes and the great outdoors.

And the benefits of running are endless, from weight loss to stronger bones to improved cardiovascular health. If you’re concerned about injuring yourself, talk with your doctor before hitting the pavement. And if you’re worried about getting the right shoes, discuss your options with the experts at Randy’s or Get Fit, where you can even get an in-store assessment done. These shoe gurus will help you find the exact right shoe for you, whether your feet pronate (tilt inward) or supinate (tilt outward), or if you’re prone to shin splints or flat feet.

Volunteering

There’s nothing better you can do for your spirit than to help others. But deciding where and how to volunteer can be daunting. How can you use your gifts and talents to have the biggest impact? Hands On Amarillo exists to address this very question. This local organization helps link potential volunteers with their ideal volunteering outlet, and the folks at HOA have their finger on the pulse of all the volunteer action in Amarillo. Can’t decide whether to help kids learn to read with StoryBridge or end hunger with Snack Pak 4 Kids? Hands On Amarillo can help. handsonamarillo.org.

Amarillo’s Health Scorecard Studying the health of Amarilloans can be tricky, as the city is split into two counties – and health studies tend to go by county in Texas. But it’s easy to see that Randall County (and South Amarillo) is much healthier than Potter County (and North Amarillo). This falls in line with what we know about the two counties: The median income in Randall County is nearly $25,000 per year higher than in Potter County. Therefore, Randall County folks have more money to spend on better food, fitness and health care (as well as vacations and child care). Unfortunately, the overall health of Amarilloans is moving in the wrong direction. Here’s what we know about our city as a whole (note: these figures are from 2018, the most recent year for which we have data).

• 24% of Amarilloans say their health is “fair” or “poor.” That’s higher than the national average of 17%.

• Amarilloans are getting heavier. In 2013, 29% of Amarilloans were obese. Five years later, that figure had risen to 37%.

• 21% of Amarilloans in 2018 had been diagnosed with diabetes. That’s exactly twice the national average – and 10% higher than it had been five years previous.

• The rate of heart attacks also doubled from 2013 to 2018, from 4% to 8%.

• The rate of strokes tripled from 2013 to 2018, from 2% to 6% (again, double the national average).

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PHOTOS PROVIDED

Feature

Amarillo’s Golden Girls Simply Fit Gym’s specialized class for older women

By Jason Boyett

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hirty-five years ago, NBC introduced its viewers to the groundbreaking sitcom “The Golden Girls,” which showcased four single, older women known for their deep friendship and wisecracking humor.

Today, in 2020, Amarillo has its own group of Golden Girls. Their friendship is as strong as that of Dorothy, Rose, Blanche and Sophia.

But they’re probably working out too hard to deliver wisecracks.

Building core strength is tough enough without belly laughs getting in the way.

Amarillo’s version of “The Golden Girls” isn’t a long-running TV show, but a long-running fitness class. It started around 2010 when fitness and dance instructor Suzi McKee moved to Amarillo. McKee was in her early 50s at the time. In Amarillo, she found plenty of gyms and workout facilities, but noticed that middle-aged and older women weren’t well-represented among the clientele. As she told us for a 2015 article in this magazine, many women just weren’t comfortable going to a gym. Many weren’t familiar with the equipment or didn’t

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know where to start. Others felt out of place while surrounded by beefy, bench-pressing men.

So McKee began creating women-only fitness programs she called “Fit Camps,” which she led at parks and local gyms until the camps’ popularity began to get out of hand. That’s when McKee opened Live Well Fit, a dedicated gym for women that turned into something of a sorority built around exercise and activity. Friendships blossomed among gym members. Women began hanging out together before and after their classes. They supported each other and encouraged each other to pursue fitness goals.

“We go through so much sharing and tears it’s almost like a counseling session,” Suzi told us back then. “I’ve seen this empower them to be the best they can be, to not let weight be the end-all for how they judge themselves.”

One of those original classes was called “Golden Girls,” which McKee designed to be a specialized cardio and strength session for women 50 and older. The class met every Monday, Wednesday and

Friday at 11 a.m.

Nearly 10 years later, several women from that first class are still exercising together every Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

Lana Gregory, a retired director of special education for Amarillo ISD, has been part of the group for more than three years. She spent time in Delaware after retirement, and despite living on the East Coast, had been doing online training session with McKee. So when Gregory returned to Amarillo, she knew McKee’s gym was a perfect fit. “I’d belonged to other gyms for a long time and I liked the idea that it was only other women,” says Gregory. “It can be very intimidating when you’re working out in a gym with really fit men.” She points out that men don’t intend to intimidate women, but it’s natural for a middle-aged woman using 5-pound weights to feel self-conscious next to a 25-year-old man lifting many times that amount.

Gregory was in her mid-60s at the time and became a regular in the Golden Girls class, while also occasionally trying out other group activities. She instantly loved the camaraderie she discovered. “It was small and not like a typical gym. When people come in new, like I did, you don’t know anyone,” she says. But the regulars immediately accepted her. “We built relationships. All the women and the trainers and teachers, you just get to be friends with them. We would go out to eat lunch.”

They also helped motivate her. “There are women older than me in their 70s and 80s and they’re an inspiration,” she says. “I’m like, ‘OK, I’m younger than they are but if they’re doing a plank for a minute, then I can do a plank for a minute.’”

Building those relationships coincided with a shift in the way Gregory viewed exercise altogether. Before turning 60, she had thought about exercise as a way to lose weight or look better. But as she aged, she began thinking more about mobility and longevity.

“My focus changed. I have two grandchildren and want to be more active with them.” She had been hospitalized with a difficult bout of pneumonia a few years earlier and that helped cement the role exercise should play in her life. “It really scared me. I got way more serious at that point.”

In 2019, McKee began dividing her time between Amarillo and Dallas to spend more time with family, and decided to sell the gym to Morgan Neill, who had been working as an instructor at Live Well Fit. Neill renamed the gym Simply Fit but continued to focus on women’s fitness – and the Golden Girls class just kept going. From a client perspective, Gregory says the transition was extremely smooth, and McKee has remained a part of the women’s lives. She even comes back to teach the class on a regular basis.

“Every business is different, but Suzi and I are like mother and daughter,” Neill says. “I’m doing this in Suzi’s honor. It’s been a blessing.”

Much of that blessing is seeing how those who attend the Golden Girls group classes keep building more than just their muscles.

“Most of our women are 55 to 75 [years old],” she says. “A lot of them have kids in college or are graduated. Their kids have their own families.” No longer caretakers for others, these women have reached a different and important stage of life. “They’ve never had the opportunity to really focus on themselves.”

When women have the opportunity to adjust their focus, the results can be transformative. Neill recently saw this when a new client entered the gym one Saturday in the early weeks of 2020. “She actually came in with her husband. She was nervous,” Neill says. But the woman committed, signing up for six months of classes. Timid at first, she gradually began breaking out of her shell, one class at a time.

“Now her smile just glows. She’s the one talking to everybody in every class, constantly encouraging others. That confidence is bigger than any weight loss could be.”

Neill knows from experience. An athletic, competitive cheerleader in high school, she gained up to 60 pounds in college at the age of 19. “I had to learn the hard way it does get harder the older you get,”

she says of losing that college weight and maintaining a healthy level since then. She describes the toll it takes as multifaceted. “It’s mental, emotional and physical. There are so many levels of it.”

Fitness classes helped Neill return to a healthy weight, and she has been teaching class in Amarillo since moving to the area in 2014.

While Suzi McKee had been leading Golden Girls classes as a peer, Neill is much younger – and may even be close to the same age as many of her clients’ daughters. “It changed the dynamic a little bit, but I don’t think it’s been too big of a hurdle. I want my own mom and grandparents to be healthier, so I’m empathetic. I can push them and care for them,” Neill explains. “We’ve created a relationship that’s like a mother-daughter, or daughter-grandmother. It’s really broadened both sides of the horizon.”

Neill doesn’t shy away from admitting that she benefits from those friendships as much as class members benefit from her workouts.

“I taught three to eight classes a week for four years before I took over [from McKee], so I’ve created relationships with so many of the women. We help each other be the healthiest versions of ourselves,” she says.

Gregory, who still attends the Golden Girls classes three times a week, intends to continue relying on her fitness community to stay strong and maintain quality of life as she gets older. Her own family reminds her why fitness should remain a high priority. “My mom is 92 and lives by herself,” she says. “She’s been active all her life. At one point, she was more active than I was. I think her longevity and health are due to her staying active.”

And not just physically active, but socially active as well. “When you get to our age and older, you can combine both of those things at the gym – especially at this gym,” she says of Simply Fit. “I’m convinced those social relationships keep people healthier and younger the older we get.”

OCTOBER 2020 • AMARILLOMAGONLINE.COM

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PENNY’S PHOTO SUBMISSION

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PHOTOS BY DAVY KNAPP, KNAPP PET PORTRAITS

Feature

PRESENTING THE WINNER OF THE

2020 AMARILLO MAGAZINE CUTEST PET CONTEST

Penny the Miniature Dachshund

By Jason Boyett

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fter an amazing response and hundreds of submissions (each one just as cute as all the others) we chose Penny, a miniature dachshund, as the winner of our cutest pet contest. Penny belongs to Patricia Avila, a longtime elementary school teacher from Amarillo.

Born in January of this year, Penny is only 9 months old. Her striking green eyes and brown nose and toenails are relatively uncommon for the breed.

“Penny’s so inquisitive,” Patricia says. “She does not know a stranger. She will love up to anybody. She’ll be apprehensive at first, but loves being hugged, loves playing and can entertain herself.”

Avila describes Penny as a “quarantine puppy” because she arrived in their lives while the family was quarantined during the COVID-19 pandemic. In fact, Avila contracted the virus in April and was recovering at home, browsing pet rescue agencies when she stumbled onto an ad for Penny.

“It was just meant to be,” Avila says.

Penny isn’t her first miniature dachshund. For most of her adulthood, Avila had preferred Chihuahuas as companion dogs. But one day, her brother was driving down Coulter Street when his truck nearly hit a tiny brown dachshund that darted out into the street. He stopped the vehicle to check on the loose dog. It ran right up to him and jumped into the cab of the truck. The dog had been chipped and the family was able to contact its vet, but the dachshund’s owners never claimed it.

The Avila family ended up adopting the stray and naming her Jinxy.

Avila’s grown twin children had recently left home for college, and Jinxy became her constant companion. “She was my saving grace,” Avila says. But after several years, in 2019, Jinxy passed away from cancer. “We were still grieving our Jinxy. I wasn’t quite ready for another dog,” she says.

Then she saw Penny. Apart from her distinct green eyes, Penny was almost identical to Jinxy. “I thought, ‘Oh my goodness, it’s a baby Jinxy,’” says Avila. “When we went to go look at Penny I fell in love with her.”

Then she discovered that Penny had been born on Jan. 27, 2020.

Jan. 27 was the anniversary of the day several years ago when Avila’s brother had discovered Jinxy on Coulter. It was like the two dogs shared the same “birthday.”

“I knew it was heaven-sent, that God was saying we were ready to open our heart to another puppy,” she says.

Today, Penny accompanies Avila everywhere, sometimes even in a stroller. “She goes shopping with us. She knows [the phrase] ‘you want to go?’ and will stop whatever she’s doing and walk to the stroller,” she says. “She does not know what it’s like to be alone. She’s a little spoiled.”

Penny has even traveled with Avila to New York City, where Patricia’s daughter lives. “Penny took to [the flight] like nothing. She loved it. She just got to sit on my lap the whole time.”

Patricia is bilingual and has been teaching commands to Penny in both Spanish and English. “She’s a very smart dog. She’ll do everything we ask her to do,” she says.

OCTOBER 2020 • AMARILLOMAGONLINE.COM

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Cancer journey essentials

By Melissa Erickson

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ach woman’s breast cancer journey is unique, so what they deem essential can range from kind words of encouragement to a surgery prep kit filled with comfy clothing.

“There are actually two essential things a woman needs going through breast cancer treatment: One is a network of friends and the other is a diary,” said Dr. Steven Quay, founder of Seattle-based Atossa Therapeutics. “Research has shown that an average of nine friends and family are recruited to accompany women to their treatments during the entire course. Schedules and emotional exhaustion for the friends is why you need a big group.”

Recording a daily diary is an essential exercise that offers both spiritual and medical benefits.

“Questions will come up in the middle of the day and if you don’t write them down immediately to ask your health care provider at your next visit, you will just forget them,” Quay said.

Find a walking buddy

“No matter how difficult your treatment, it’s almost always possible to go for regular walks, and so much more pleasurable to do so with a friend even if you have to stay six feet apart,” said Meg Hirshberg, founder of Anticancer Lifestyle Program. “It’s ideal to walk in nature, but even during city strolls, you will get the benefits of exercise and fresh air, as well as the camaraderie and support that come from sharing time with a friend.”

Look for personalized treatment

Choose a cancer home that can offer personalized care and access to clinical trials, said Dr. Justin Favaro, owner of Oncology Specialists of Charlotte, Pennsylvania.

“Every case is different, so going with someone who has access to the best treatments gives you the best shot,” he said.

Take a team approach

“Breast cancer treatment is not one size fits all. In the age of precision medicine, your team of doctors and care providers will recommend the plan that best fits your cancer, your life and your needs,” said Dr. Anjali Malik, a radiologist at Washington Radiology, with locations in the D.C. Metro area.

A good team can help keep you up-to-date with the latest 24

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scientific advances. For example, it’s a myth that consuming soy products increases the risk of developing breast cancer.

“Soy consumption has been shown to decrease recurrence in breast cancer survivors,” Malik said.

Cheer her on

Simple things make a big difference, said Caitlin James, who was diagnosed with invasive ductal carcinoma in 2018 and is ongoing maintenance treatment.

“My mom would come over and make dinner sometimes, and not having that pressure of worrying about dinner made such a difference. My aunt would send me letters in the mail.

Little things like that that let you know people are cheering for you is really important,” James shared through The Patient Story (thepatientstory.com). “It’s important for your mental health, but I also think it’s important for your physical health, too. Going through chemotherapy can feel really isolating and lonely. Having your caregivers around really helps you through the process both physically and mentally.”

Dress for recovery

Essential clothing items can make treatment and postsurgery recovery much more comfortable, said Mary Cristine, creator of Chic Cancer Couture (chiccancercouture.com).

Women want loose fitting clothing that zips, snaps, ties or buttons because it can be painful for women to lift their arms, Cristine said. Robes and kimonos won’t irritate sore areas. Shirts and tops with handy compartments make it easier to access chemo ports or store drain ports. Blankets and wraps are handy because treatment side effects may cause a patient’s body temperature to fluctuate, she said.

Create a comfortable space

Cancer treatment can be intensely exhausting, said Rachel Mador-House, a certified genetic counselor with Ironwood Cancer and Research Center in Scottsdale, Arizona.

“Creating a cozy and relaxing resting environment can be a way to make treatments easier,” she said.

Invest in soft sheets, soft lighting and unscented candles.

Consider taking up a new hobby like meditation.

“Some people find that playing soft classical music or listening to the sounds of waves can help them find relaxation during their treatments,” Mador-House said.

Make time to Make Sure

Schedule your 3D mammogram.

The American College of Radiology and the American College of Surgeons recommend an annual mammogram for women over 40.

At BSA Harrington Breast Center, we combine advanced technology, highly-skilled professionals and personalized services, like a high-risk prevention program, genetic screenings and breast nurse navigators, to provide the highest quality of care.

For your convenience, schedule your mammogram online at mychart.bsahs.org.

1310 Wallace Blvd. l Amarillo, TX l harringtonbreastcenter.org | 806-212-1905

‘You are stronger than you think’ Dietitian and survivor offers advice from her cancer experience

By Melissa Erickson

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egistered dietitian Jennifer Smith of White Lake, Michigan, is not just a nutrition expert – she’s a breast cancer survivor.

At 34, Smith was a healthy, busy wife and mother of three girls (ages 7, 4 and 2) building her own nutrition private practice, when she was diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer. There was no family history of breast cancer. She endured chemotherapy, a double mastectomy with lymph nodes removed, and radiation.

Experts offer solid advice, but survivors know what to expect on a daily basis.

“It has been over a year since I was diagnosed and no one can prepare you for the roller coaster of physical, emotional and mental symptoms that a cancer diagnosis, treatment and even going into survivorship put you through,” Smith said.

One day at a time

“My general advice to people living with breast cancer is to take everything one day at a time,” said Smith, a breast cancer dietitian and lifestyle coach at joyenergynutrition. com. “Focus on taking care of yourself. Find support. You are stronger than you think. You can and will get through this.”

From diagnosis, breast cancer can feel overwhelming.

Women are quickly thrown into a world full of appointments, testing, poking and prodding, Smith said. Beneficial treatments often come with adverse side effects.

“It feels like this new world you have entered will never come to an end. You feel like you are never going to make it to the other side of treatment, but I promise that you will,” she said. “Try to focus on the treatment or obstacle that you are going through at the moment instead of always looking ahead to what is next.”

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Take care of yourself

Women and mothers often put themselves last as they are busy caring for partners and families.

It can feel selfish to take time for ourselves, even if it’s for things that will help keep us healthy like exercising or taking a mental health break, Smith said.

“It’s OK if treatment side effects leave you exhausted and you spend the day resting on the couch instead of always doing. It’s OK if you let other people help you,” she said.

“Learn to take the time to allow your body to heal and to lean on other people because no one can do it all themselves.”

Talk to someone

“Find a support group, a therapist, a Facebook group. Find someone who understands your struggles,” Smith said. “Cancer is a huge burden to take on, and sometimes you need help wading through all the emotional and physical crap it puts you through.”

Show vulnerability

While others may call you a “brave warrior,” you may not feel that way, Smith said.

“You don’t feel very strong or brave when you look into the mirror and see a pale, bald, scared version of yourself staring back,” she said. “You don’t feel strong or brave when you are feeling so depressed and crappy that you can’t bring yourself to get out of bed in the morning. Showing that vulnerability leads to courage and bravery and strength.

“You are so, so much stronger than you know and give yourself credit for. You can and you will do this.”

How to deal with fears of recurrence

By Melissa Erickson

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etter treatments and technology lead to increasing breast cancer survival rates, but many women still fear their cancer may return.

“Fear of cancer recurrence is a very normal and common emotion for breast cancer survivors,” said registered nurse Lawana Evans, a cancer survivor who is an oncology nurse navigator with Thompson Cancer Survival Center in Knoxville, Tennessee, part of Covenant Health. “There is never a 100% guarantee that the cancer will not return, so it is very natural to worry about recurrence at some point.”

Defined in the literature as “the fear that cancer may return or progress in the same place or another part of the body,” fear of recurrence is one of the most common concerns that breast cancer patients report, even months and years after completion of surgery and treatment, said Jean-Philippe Laurenceau, professor in the department of psychological and brain sciences at University of Delaware.

Laurenceau is leading an interdisciplinary team of researchers from University of Delaware and the ChristianaCare Helen F. Graham Cancer Center and Research Institute in Newark, Delaware, to examine how the fear of cancer recurrence affects the wellbeing and relationships of breast cancer patients and their spouses or partners.

Impact on others

“Breast cancer not only affects the person involved, but has a significant impact on the family or support team,” Evans said. “It interferes with normal activities that you once enjoyed. Goals and plans for your life may change after a cancer diagnosis. It makes long-term planning difficult because you are unsure of your future. Fear can become overwhelming and all-consuming if you allow it.”

Intrusive thoughts and worries can significantly impact daily life. Signs that clinical intervention would be warranted include excessively checking the body for signs or symptoms of cancer, avoiding people or places that remind one of cancer, or having persistent thoughts of death, Laurenceau said.

“A normal ache or pain also can cause distress and fear for a survivor,” Evans said. “Another anxiety trigger is hearing about someone with a similar diagnosis who has relapsed or passed away. It is also very normal to be anxious prior to scans, blood tests, follow-up appointments or around a particular date of significance in your cancer journey.”

Sharing your fears with a partner can help because it promotes normalization of the fears and produces social support and intimacy, Laurenceau said.

“Talking about fears can also engender a sense of ‘we-ness’ between survivors and partners that can reduce the feelings of aloneness many breast cancer patients experience at various points in the survivorship trajectory,” he said.

Give it time

“Immediately after treatment, there was not a day that went by that I did not think about recurrence,” Evans said. “I worried that every ache or pain might be cancer.

But after eight years, there are weeks that go by when I do not think about my cancer. I can have a normal headache without wondering if it is cancer. Time heals.”

Sharing helps. Join a support group, Evans said.

Check with your treatment team for a list of common signs of recurrence, Laurenceau said.

“Do what you can to decrease the chance of recurrence: Follow-up with routine monitoring and appointments, eat a healthy diet and exercise regularly, eliminate risk factors such as smoking, and consider joining a cancer survivorship program if available in your community,” Evans said.

“Most health behavior changes are more sustainable when patients do them with a supportive significant other,” Laurenceau said.

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

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AMARILLOMAGONLINE.COM • OCTOBER 2020

What’s Cooking?

Seasonal Nutrition W

hen most people enter a grocery store, they view it as a place to, well, fill up a cart with food. Brenda Garcia sees the grocery store as a laboratory. A registered dietitian, she’s the Health and Wellness Manager for United Supermarkets, which includes 95 stores across Texas. Locally, that includes six stores under the United brand, along with Market Street on Georgia and Amigo’s at I-40 and Grand.

“When people visit with a dietitian or a doctor, it’s like they’re in a classroom setting. They’re learning,” she explains. The physician might diagnose them with Celiac disease and tell them to avoid gluten. Or a doctor might suggest a low-carb diet as a way to manage diabetes, or advise healthier eating as part of a weight-loss plan. In these situations, the role of the physician is to be an educator.

Then he or she sends the patient off into the real world.

“So they come to the [grocery] store and it’s hands-on. It’s like they’re in the lab,” Garcia says.

“They’re lost. ‘Where do I start? How do I do this?’ It’s overwhelming to them.”

That’s one major reason her job exists: to provide a service for those guests who aren’t quite sure where to start when it comes to healthy eating. In each of its locations, United posts in-store “health tags” – with labels including “Whole Grain” or “Heart Healthy” – that help customers identify foods that align with their health conditions or health goals. “This helps to narrow things down,” she says.

“With everything going on in the world, lots of people have really started to focus on their health, to have their immune systems functioning optimally.”

In this issue, Garcia supplies a few healthy recipes that combine key nutrients with seasonally available foods. During the fall months, seasonal shopping means more than just looking for pumpkinspice flavoring. “Pay attention to our ads,” she explains. “Our ads will show what is most seasonal and best-tasting in the moment.”

United’s health tags aren’t applied to fresh produce, though. Fruits and vegetables are almost always healthy choices. The real confusion comes from prepackaged foods with hard-to-understand nutritional labels and hefty ingredient lists. Part of Garcia’s job is helping customers use the Nutrition Facts label to make informed decisions.

To start, she says simpler labels are often the best ones. “It should be understandable. The shorter the better. You want it to be as simple and close to the whole food as possible,” she says. We asked her to walk us through a few ingredients of which grocery shoppers should remain mindful.

OCTOBER 2020 • AMARILLOMAGONLINE.COM

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Avoid Added Sugars

Garcia often finds herself recommending that customers pay attention to added sugar, which is now listed on food labels. When the U.S. Food & Drug Administration approved a new Nutrition Facts label earlier in 2020, it made “Added Sugars” a required category. Not all shoppers are aware of it, but Garcia appreciates the inclusion. “When you think of added sugars, we’re referring to refined, processed sugars,” she says. “Obviously you want to keep that to a minimum. The lower that number the better.”

As a general rule of thumb, every 4 grams of added sugar in a serving is the equivalent of a teaspoon of table sugar. Often, it’s in the form of high fructose corn syrup, a concentrated, processed sugar added in the food manufacturing process – typically in baked goods or snack foods—that can be detrimental to health if consumed in high quantities.

Garcia contrasts this with naturally occurring sugars found in fruit or dairy products. “A lot of people wouldn’t eat yogurt or dairy previously because they felt there was too much sugar in there. Dairy products have a naturally occurring sugar [called] lactose. But it’s not added sugar,” she says.

The body turns added sugars and naturally occurring sugars into carbohydrates. But because lactose occurs naturally, it is usually accompanied by other nutrients. Not so for high fructose corn syrup. This sweetener is derived from corn starch and separated into individual molecules, so it exists purely as a sugar – and that offers very few health benefits. Meanwhile, sugars found in fruits, vegetables and some dairy products are much better for you. “Should you eat the whole corn, you’re going to have some fiber

HONEY HOT COCOA

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AMARILLOMAGONLINE.COM • OCTOBER 2020

in there and some niacin, which is a B vitamin. You’re going to have some nutrition in there.”

Avoid Trans Fats

“There’s so much information out there right now on good fats versus bad fats,” Garcia says. “This we know consistently: that trans fats, especially in large amounts, are harmful to our bodies.” Artificial trans fats often are present in industrial food products or processed foods made with a hydrogenated fat, which results when hydrogen is added to liquid vegetable oils. “It was used as a preservation method to prevent it from going rancid or spoiling,” she says.

For years, restaurants and fast-food outlets relied on trans fats to deepfry foods, but as the research showed negative health effects of trans fats, manufacturers began to limit their use. “We definitely want to stay away from those,” Garcia says.

But what about other fats?

“We used to just say ‘saturated fats are all bad and you can’t have them,’ but now we’re studying the different types of saturated fat,” she says. As a result, dietary recommendations are beginning to evolve – as in the case of coconut oil, which is high in saturated fat. While saturated fat can raise bad cholesterol (LDL), it may also have some benefits. As an example, Garcia points to coconut oil. “Coconut oil and coconut fat used to be known as a ‘nogo,’ one of the most saturated fats you can have,” she says. But coconut oil also contains MCTs (medium chain triglycerides), which your body can absorb better and which may have benefits as part of a healthy, balanced diet.

Once again, Garcia calls attention to the whole picture. The best kinds of

fats are those consumed in nutrient-dense foods, which also contain protein.

Just practice moderation. “Any time you go crazy consuming large amounts of something – even if it’s a vitamin – if it’s more than what your body needs, there’s always the possibility for adverse effects. The same goes with fats,” she says.

Whole Grains

Pay attention to whether the packaging on a product says it is “made with whole grains” versus “contains whole grains,” suggests Garcia. The former is much better for you in terms of fiber content. “I see a lot of frustration and misguided information about the difference,” she says. Products can still be made with processed flour and say they contain whole grains. “Regular, all-purpose flour comes from wheat, so when something is made with allpurpose flour, it can still be a processed flour.” These refined flours start with whole grains but are processed in order remove the wheat germ. This may enhance the flavor, but the wheat germ and bran are the source of valuable nutrients, including fiber.

Look at the ingredient list and pay attention to the fiber content, Garcia says. “It will say ‘whole-wheat flour,’ not just ‘flour,’” she says. Any time a product is labeled with the “Fiber” health tag at United stores, it must contain at least 2.5 grams of dietary fiber per serving.

Apart from the “Dietitian’s Top Pick” label – which are products handpicked by Garcia and her colleagues – United’s health-tagged products are identified and vetted by a third party and have to meet certain standards.

For instance, low-sodium picks must contain no more than 140 milligrams of sodium per serving. Protein picks provide at least 20% of the daily value for

protein per serving.

“The idea is so you don’t have to stop and read each and every label, depending on what you’re looking for,” she says. “No one struggles with whether or not they should buy spinach or carrots. They struggle when they really want some chips. That’s why we have the ‘Dietitian’s Top Pick.’ It doesn’t mean it’s the most nutritious product in the whole store. But we’ll pick a chip that tastes good and is a better-for-you product.”

Ultimately, she advises people not to get sidetracked by particular trends, like consuming high amounts of protein and zero carbs, or limiting themselves to a low-fat diet, which can sometimes include products with added sugar.

Just eat in moderation, and insist on foods with plenty of nutrients. “Focus on simple nutrients and simple labels,” she says. “If you take out any one nutrient, you run the risk of not having everything you need for your body.”

Garcia likes to compare the human body to a high-performing car. “If you have a car and you decide to fill it up with water instead of gas because water is cheaper, you’ve filled up the tank but you’re going nowhere,” she says. In fact, you’ll probably damage the vehicle. “That’s the same as using lots of foods that don’t provide you with any nutrients.”

Every car needs different fluids in different amounts – gasoline, motor oil, brake fluid, transmission fluid, power-steering fluid, coolant. All have a distinct purpose, but those fluids aren’t interchangeable.

Likewise, each nutrient has a distinct purpose for the human body, from protein to carbohydrates to fiber. Highly processed foods tend to strip out those natural nutrients, so strive for a balanced diet, eat whole foods, and keep an eye on those labels.

OCTOBER 2020 • AMARILLOMAGONLINE.COM

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The Recipes Date and Apple Puree Baked Beans Recipe from “The Recipe Box,” by Taylor Sutton

½ cup apple sauce 5 dates 1 large onion, chopped 1 tablespoon butter 1 tablespoon olive oil 3 (15-ounce) cans white beans, no salt added ⅛ cup ketchup ⅛ cup mustard 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce Salt and pepper, as desired Put dates in bowl with water to cover and let soak for 20 minutes. Heat pan with butter and oil to caramelize onions for 40 minutes. Put apple sauce, ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire, and dates into small blender; puree until smooth. Once onions are done caramelizing, add un-drained canned beans and apple puree; stir and heat through.

Makes 6 servings Nutritional Facts: Calories: 272 Total fat: 4 grams Protein: 13 grams Sodium: 150 milligrams Fiber: 11 grams Sugars: 9 grams

Sheet Pan Chicken Thighs Recipe from “The Recipe Box,” United Supermarkets 2 pounds skinless chicken thighs 5 tablespoons fresh rosemary 1 tablespoon garlic powder 2 medium pears, cored and diced 1 (10-ounce) package pre-cut butternut squash 1 (12-ounce) package arugula 1 bunch green onions, diced Salt, to taste Cinnamon, to taste Heat oven to 350 degrees. On sheet pan place chicken thighs in center and generously season with rosemary, salt, pepper and garlic powder. Place pears on one side and butternut squash on the other and sprinkle with salt and cinnamon. Bake for 35 minutes. Build 4 plates by starting with a base of arugula on each. Layer sheet pan contents evenly amongst the 4 plates. Sprinkle with green onions and serve.

Makes 4 servings Nutritional Facts: Calories: 462 Protein: 30 grams Cholesterol: 130 milligrams Carbohydrates: 24 grams Fiber: 5 grams Sugars: 11 grams Fat: 23 grams Sodium: 139 milligrams

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AMARILLOMAGONLINE.COM • OCTOBER 2020

Potato Sausage Soup Recipe from “The Recipe Box,” United Supermarkets 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil 1 small yellow onion, diced 1 pound Italian sausage 2 potatoes, cubed 2 stalks celery, diced 1 carrot, diced 1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes, with liquid 1 (15-ounce) can white beans, with liquid 4 ½ cups vegetable or chicken broth 1 teaspoon fresh parsley In saute pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onions and cook until soft. Next, add sausage and cook until browned. Drain. Add sausage and onion mixture and remaining ingredients to a slow cooker. Set on low for 6 to 8 hours, or high for 4 to 6 hours. The potatoes should be soft. Serve warm and garnish with parsley as desired.

Makes 6 servings Nutritional Facts: Calories: 330 Total fat: 16 grams Cholesterol: 45 milligrams Protein: 27 grams Sodium: 1,236 milligrams Potassium: 1,065 milligrams Fiber: 14 grams Carbohydrates: 47 grams Sugars: 6 grams

Baked Apple Pork Chops and Green Beans Recipe from “The Recipe Box,” United Supermarkets 4 tablespoons olive oil, divided 4 (8-ounce) pork chops, bone-in, ¾-inch to 1-inch thick 1 tablespoon chopped fresh sage Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste 16 ounces green beans, trimmed 3 cloves garlic, minced 2 tablespoons unsalted butter 2 apples, peeled, cored and sliced 2 tablespoons brown sugar ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon Pinch nutmeg 3 tablespoons maple syrup 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley leaves Heat oven to 400 degrees. Lightly oil a baking sheet or coat with nonstick spray. In large skillet over medium-high heat, add 1 tablespoon olive oil. Rub both sides of pork chops with sage; season with salt and pepper. Add to skillet and sear both sides until golden brown, about 2 to 3 minutes. Place pork chops and green beans in single layer onto prepared baking sheet. Drizzle green beans with olive oil and sprinkle with garlic; season with salt and pepper. Place into oven and roast until pork is completely cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 145 degrees, about 12 to 15 minutes. Return skillet to medium-high heat and melt butter. Add apples, brown sugar, cinnamon and nutmeg. Cook, stirring occasionally, until apples just begin to soften, about 3 to 4 minutes. Stir in maple syrup, stirring occasionally, until sauce thickens, about 5 minutes. Serve pork chops immediately, topped with apple mixture, garnished with parsley, if desired.

Makes 4 servings Nutritional Facts: Calories: 574 Total fat: 28 grams Cholesterol: 125 milligrams Protein: 48 grams Sodium: 710 milligrams Potassium: 384 milligrams Fiber: 11 grams Carbohydrates: 39 grams Sugars: 29 grams

OCTOBER 2020 • AMARILLOMAGONLINE.COM

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Salted Dark Chocolate Popcorn Recipe from “The Recipe Box,” by Happy and Nourished

1 tablespoon canola oil 1/3 cup popcorn kernels 4 ounces good-quality dark chocolate, chopped ¾ teaspoon fine sea salt, divided In medium pot, heat oil and 3 kernels popcorn, covered, over medium heat until all kernels pop. Pour in remaining kernels, cover pot again and shake to distribute. As popcorn pops, shake pan occasionally and immediately remove from heat once popping slows to 2 to 3 seconds between pops. Pour popcorn into large bowl, removing any unpopped or partially popped kernels. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside. Place chocolate and ½ teaspoon salt in microwave-safe measuring cup or bowl. Heat in microwave in 30-second increments until chocolate is very soft and becomes completely liquid when stirred gently. Immediately pour over popcorn and stir to coat as thoroughly as possible.

Spread evenly onto baking sheet and sprinkle with remaining ¼ teaspoon salt. Let sit at room temperature until chocolate has hardened, about 1 hour. Popcorn will keep for up to 3 days in an airtight container.

Makes 6 servings Nutritional Facts: Calories: 135 Total fat: 9 grams Protein: 2 grams Sodium: 268 milligrams Fiber: 8 grams Carbohydrates: 18 grams

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AMARILLOMAGONLINE.COM • OCTOBER 2020

Meet the Expert:

Brenda Garcia, Health and Wellness Manager, United Supermarkets

PROVIDED PHOTO

“I

love to teach people, and I love to show them that eating healthy is attainable, affordable and can taste good,” Brenda Garcia says from her office in Lubbock. Garcia has been a practicing, registered dietitian for 21 years after earning bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Food and Nutrition from Texas Tech University. “I’ve done everything from work in a hospital to work in pharmaceutical research. I’ve taught at South Plains [College], and this go-around, I’ve been with United for seven years.”

Before her current position, Garcia worked with the supermarket chain for two years while attending Tech. Back then, she was pursuing a food and nutrition degree but had no intention of becoming a dietitian.

Then one day Jan Daniels (now Jan Tilley) – who pioneered the dietitian role for United Supermarkets – appeared as a guest speaker in one of Garcia’s classes.

“I was inspired. I thought what she did was so interesting, so I asked her if I could volunteer and learn more,” she says. Garcia went on to work for United for the next two years. “I ended up sticking with it and I changed my whole major so that I could do exactly what I’m doing right now,” she says. “United was one of the first companies to invest in having a dietitian available for the community.”

Brenda loves to cook and frequently represents the United Family of stores on local media to share advice about healthy eating and grocery shopping.

OCTOBER 2020 • AMARILLOMAGONLINE.COM

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3-D & Contrast-Enhanced Mammography at Texas Breast Specialists–Amarillo

Early detection is the best defense against breast cancer. That’s why Texas Breast Specialists–Amarillo uses leading-edge technology for breast imaging and diagnostics, including 3-D mammography and contrast-enhanced mammography. Leveraging these technologies provides patients with highly accurate results and may help detect some cancers earlier. At Texas Breast Specialists–Amarillo, we’re committed to helping patients get the care they need.

LOVA ARENIVAS, M.D. • SARA S. WOODWARD DYRSTAD, M.D.

TEXAS BREAST SPECIALISTS–AMARILLO 1000 S. Coulter Street, Suite 100 Amarillo, TX 79106 T: 806-457-2060 • F: 806-457-2061 For more information or to refer a patient, please call 806-457-2060.

Higher Standards • Greater Hope

www.TexasBreastSpecialists.com/Amarillo

Let’s Eat!

Restaurants • Food • Spirits

Fuddruckers JALAPEÑO AND CHEESE BURGER

T

he pandemic has taken its toll on the restaurant industry, and the city’s eateries need support more than ever.

In the midst of a crisis rumors can grow, even when based on conjecture. Fuddruckers Amarillo wants locals to know it’s still open and operating as usual.

This fast-casual chain bills itself as making the “World’s Greatest Hamburger.” Fuddruckers lets diners choose the size of their burger, how they’d like it cooked, and which toppings they’d prefer. During the COVID crisis, Fuddruckers began offering a Fuddruckers at Home burger kit, with everything needed to assemble its delicious burgers off-site. The Amarillo location also has a full bar, an in-house bakery with fresh cookies and pastries, and custom catering services.

8158 I-40 West 358.3450 fuddruckers.com Open Sunday through Thursday, 11 a.m.-8 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m.-9 p.m.

PROVIDED PHOTO

PRICING GUIDE $ most entrees less than $10 $$ most entrees $11 to $20 $$$ most entrees more than $21 NEW New to Let’s Eat! UPDATE

Updated entry

THE LET’S EAT! GUIDE IS A READER SERVICE COMPILED BY THE AMARILLO MAGAZINE EDITORIAL STAFF. THE MAGAZINE DOES NOT ACCEPT ADVERTISING OR OTHER COMPENSATION IN EXCHANGE FOR A LISTING. THE GUIDE IS UPDATED REGULARLY. TO CORRECT A LISTING OR RECOMMEND A RESTAURANT FOR CONSIDERATION, CONTACT MICHELE MCAFFREY AT MMCAFFREY@AMARILLO.COM.

OCTOBER 2020 • AMARILLOMAGONLINE.COM

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Amarillo 1887 SOCIAL HOUSE

Located inside Embassy Suites Downtown, 1887 is open for lunch and dinner. Start your meal with something from the small bites menu, and move on to a hearty steak. Relax in the spacious lobby with an after-dinner drink. 550 S. Buchanan St., 803.5504 $$

ABUELO’S

The authentic atmosphere and generous portions make for an enjoyable lunch or fun evening out. If you’re stumped by all the choices, try the Enchiladas de Cozumel, three crepes filled with guacamole and topped with bountiful seafood, fresh spinach and roasted peppers. As a rule, always get the queso. 3501 W. 45th Ave., 354.8294, abuelos.com $$

AFRICAN SAFARI RESTAURANT

If you’re in search of an exotic, out-of-theordinary experience, African Safari delivers.

With no formal menu, your experience will include the daily special, which could mean only one or two options. Get ready for plenty of bold flavor in each authentic Somali dish. 5945 Amarillo Blvd. East, 471.0490 $$

BANGKOK TOKYO

This casual, quaint place is often packed, so visit for an early dinner or a late lunch. Try the crispy chicken with basil or the Bangkok Tokyo fried rice. Neither disappoints.

2413 S. Western St., Suite A, 353.4777 $$

BLUE SKY TEXAS

Blue Sky’s burgers and homemade fries are the perfect companions to a Lone Star Beer or an Oreo shake. Be prepared to share the one-size-feeds-a-lot cheese fries. 4201 I-40 West, 355.8100/5060 S. Coulter St., 322.3888, blueskytexas.com $$

CAFE BLVD. & BAR

Serving authentic Vietnamese cuisine, Cafe Blvd. also offers a lounge area and full bar for a relaxing evening out. The limited menu features classics like chicken wings, pho, bun bowls, and banh xeo. You’ll enjoy fresh food, generous portions and affordable prices. 5316 Amarillo Blvd. East, 367.9780 $

CRUSH WINE BAR & GRILL

Crush’s excellent tapas, sandwiches, entrees and desserts are a big enough draw. Add an extensive and impressive wine list, a rooftop and street-side patio, and excellent service, and you’ve got one of the city’s premier 38

AMARILLOMAGONLINE.COM • OCTOBER 2020

hang-out spots. The Saturday brunch is hard to beat, too. 627 S. Polk St., 418.2011, crushamarillo.com $$

DICKEY’S BARBECUE PIT

Dickey’s serves its original slow-smoked meats alongside home-style sides like macaroni-and-cheese and jalapeño beans, fresh rolls, and plenty of ice tea. Founded in Dallas in 1941, the national franchise also gives back – its foundation, Barbecue, Boots & Badges, benefits law enforcement and firefighters in the local community.

6015 Hillside Road, Suite 100, 322.0127, dickeys.com $$

EL BRACERO MEXICAN GRILL

Home-cooked flavor and excellent service make El Bracero Home-cooked flavor and excellent service make El Bracero a popular stop for authentic Mexican food. You’ll find a full menu of Mexican favorites like fajitas, carne asada, and enchiladas that keep local patrons satisfied. 2116 S. Grand St., 373.4788/2028 Paramount Blvd., 398.4440 $$

FATCAT FISH & GRILL

From seafood and coleslaw to cheeseburgers and steaks, Fatcat Fish & Grill offers fresh-cooked food at a reasonable price. 1309 Dumas Drive, 373.3581 NEW

FLAMINGO’S LATIN BAR & GRILL

You’ll find traditional Mexican dishes with a smattering of Latin American dishes at Flamingo’s. We’re tempted by the Chapin breakfast special, which includes fried plantains, and the pupusas, and decadent flan. 701 Amarillo Blvd. East, 367.7304 $

FUDDRUCKERS

This fast-casual chain bills itself as making the “world’s greatest hamburger.”

Fuddruckers lets diners choose the size of their burger, how they’d like it cooked, and which toppings they’d prefer. The Amarillo location also has a full bar and an in-house bakery with fresh cookies and pastries.

8158 I-40 West, 358.3450, fuddruckers.com $

GIRASOL CAFE & BAKERY

If you’ve missed having an artisan bakery in Amarillo, you’re in luck. Head over to Girasol Cafe and enjoy fresh baked goods along with a rotating menu of salads, soups, sandwiches and entrees – many with a Latin influence. Check the bakery’s Facebook page for daily featured items.

3201 S. Coulter St., 322.0023 $

GREEN CHILE WILLY’S GRILL

As the owners say, the way you like it is the way they fix it. Hand-cut grilled steaks, excellent burgers, chicken-fried steak and grilled chicken; you name it, Willy’s has it.

And you can’t beat the country atmosphere for a relaxing good time. 13651 I-27, 622.2200, greenchilewillys.com $$

HENRY D’S RESTAURANT

This popular breakfast spot does more than satisfy your A.M. cravings – choose from American stand-bys like pot roast, fried chicken, hamburgers, and fajitas for lunch or dinner. 5807 SW 45th Ave., 353.9700 $

HUD’S

Open early every day for fans of the hearty breakfast burritos, Hud’s has been satisfying locals’ cravings for decades. The faithful return again and again for Hud’s fountain drinks (try the cherry limade), chicken dinners, fried okra, and burgers, all made fresh daily. 7311 Amarillo Blvd. West, 351.1499/4411 Bell St., 331.4837 $

INDIAN OVEN

The moment you enter Indian Oven, you’ll be enveloped by the fragrances of cardamom, ginger, anise, garlic and chili wafting from the kitchen. Start your meal with a generous portion of naan as you work your way through the extensive menu. Select a chef special such as chicken tandoori or chicken tikka masala or try a little of everything on the lunch buffet.

Finish up with the to-die-for rice pudding.

Don’t leave without sipping the mango lassi.

2406 Paramount Blvd., 335.3600, indian-oven.com $$

JASON’S DELI

The options at Jason’s are endless – sandwiches, paninis, wraps, baked potatoes, soups, salads, po’boys … The menu might leave you a little overwhelmed, but take heart. Everything is good. And there’s even free ice cream at the end.

7406 SW 34th Ave., 353.4440/ 2600 Wolflin Ave., Suite C2600, 803.9160, jasonsdeli.com $

JOE TACO

Great atmosphere and a variety of Southwest favorites make Joe Taco a great place to sit and relax, especially while enjoying a signature margarita. Soak in the sun on the patio when the weather is nice. 7312 Wallace Blvd., 331.8226/ 600 S. Buchanan St., 350.8226, joetaco.net $$

KATHY’S KITCHEN

This is the simple, Texas Panhandle home-style food locals crave.

Grab the napkins and tackle the brisket burger, a hamburger patty topped with brisket and smothered in barbecue sauce, cheese, and two stuffed jalapeños. Generous portions, daily specials, and low prices will keep you going back for more. 4517 Highway 136, 383.2513 $

LAZY GATOR

Get your Cajun fix at The Lazy Gator. The menu is brimming with pasta, seafood, fresh oysters, frog legs, burgers, po’ boys, and plenty of drink specials to wash it all down. We’re ready to tackle the peel-and-eat shrimp and creamy creole alfredo. 6103 Hillside Road, Suite 200, 418.6768 $$

LONGHORN STEAKHOUSE

Stand-outs on LongHorn’s extensive menu include Grilled White Cheddar Stuffed Mushrooms, the hearty LongHorn Gourmet burger, a variety of steaks, and the lighter Spinach Feta Chicken. Choose a side with every meal, and finish with the towering Mountain Top Cheesecake. 8200 I-40 West, 358.0640, longhornsteakhouse.com $$ NEW

MEME’S D.O.C. CAFÉ

Locals rave about Meme’s home-style food, which includes Texas favorites like chicken-fried steak, catfish, burgers, calf fries, and hearty breakfast items. Check the eatery’s Facebook page for daily lunch specials for dine-in or take-out. 3700 SW Sixth Ave., 322.1402 $

NAPOLI’S FINE ITALIAN RESTAURANT

Napoli’s has created an oasis in downtown Amarillo. Indulge yourself with the house-baked bread while you browse the ample menu. Try the hearty lasagna or one of the over-sized calzones while enjoying live music on the spacious patio.

700 S. Taylor St., 220.2588, napolisofamarillo.com $$

OUTBACK STEAKHOUSE

Let’s just start with the Bloomin’ Onion. We could actually end there and be completely satisfied, but what’s a trip to Outback without a Victoria’s Filet Mignon and Bacon Bourbon Salmon?

Speaking of completely satisfied, leave room for the Chocolate Thunder from Down Under. 7101 I-40 West, 352.4032, outback.com $$ NEW

PIZZERIA NOMAD

The beloved food truck now has a brick-and-mortar location, where it will serve an expanded menu. Convenient callin and online ordering ensures that your cravings will be quickly satisfied. 2648 SW 34th Ave., 477.2660, pizzanomad.co $$

ROCKET BREWS

Think of Rocket Brews as snack central; you’ll find everything from cucumber micheladas to shredded beef jerky and custom snack trays. A bevy of colors and flavors make a return visit a must. 1506 Amarillo Blvd. East, 350.7830 $ NEW

SAPITO’S MEXICAN GRILL & CANTINA

Offering daily specials, Sapito’s serves classic Mexican food with a Texas twist. Dine in or carry out for breakfast, lunch and dinner every day. 801 SW Sixth Ave., 367.6242 $

OCTOBER 2020 • AMARILLOMAGONLINE.COM

39

TOOM’S RESTAURANT

You’ll find a variety of authentic Thai, Lao and Chinese food at Toom’s. Choices abound – from sticky and fried rice or noodles to classic larb, beef jerky and chicken wings. You’ll find fresh, affordable meals for lunch or dinner.

3416 NE 24th Ave., 381.2568 $

VENEZIA ITALIAN RESTAURANT & PIZZERIA NEW

Venezia’s ample menu is filled with pasta, pizza, hot subs, salads, and more. The pizzeria offers lunch specials, dine-in, carry-out and Doordash delivery. The fresh-made garlic cheese rolls just might ruin your appetite. 2813 SW Sixth Ave., 367.6217 $$

WALK-ON’S SPORTS BISTREAUX

You’ll find Cajun-style cuisine at Walk-On’s, including seafood, traditional favorites, enormous burgers and more. Voted the no.

1 Sports Bar in America by ESPN, enjoy the big game with a taste of Louisiana.

3506 S. Soncy Road, 398.2003, walk-ons. com $$

YE OLDE PANCAKE STATION

With breakfast this good, you’ll be glad to know the Pancake Station serves it all day long. The restaurant also offers great diner-style entrees for lunch. We recommend the over-sized omelets, fresh pancakes, and southern fried chicken. 2800 Virginia Circle, 355.0211, pancakestation.com $

YOUNGBLOOD’S CAFE

Experience the Western heritage of Amarillo at Youngblood’s Cafe. The Cafe serves up excellent chicken-fried steaks to satisfy your craving for beef. Plus, Youngblood’s also offers a hearty breakfast every day starting at 6 a.m.

620 SW 16th Ave., 342.9411, youngbloodscafe.com $$

ZOMBIEZ BAR & GRILL

Locals rave about the homestyle offerings at Zombiez Bar & Grill. Fill up on daily specials, burgers, chicken-fried steak or chicken-fried chicken. Dine-in, takeout and delivery are available. 711 SW 10th Ave., 331.7305 $

40

AMARILLOMAGONLINE.COM • OCTOBER 2020

IT’S A SECRET...

OCTOBER 30TH And the

Winner is...

CE AWARDS ITY CHOILeis ure L COMMUN & | Entertainment THE OFFICIA ng Dini | lth Hea ty & | Shopping Beau | Services Services | Media Finance | Home Dealers & Services loyers | Vehicles, Spirits | Top Emp

212

FIRST PLAC E

AWAR D WINNE RS!

Look for the special publication announcing your winners and finalists on Friday, Oct. 30

st

ATTORNEYS YOU SHOULD KNOW

SPROUSE SHRADER SMITH PLLC How long has your firm practiced law? Sprouse Shrader Smith opened its doors in 1990. Since then, we have never lost sight of why we started this firm – to provide effective, ethical legal service while spoiling the client.

Certifications and specializations: We are proud to have attorneys who are Board Certified by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization in Estate Planning and Probate, Tax, Oil, Gas and Mineral Law, Civil Trial Law, and Commercial Real Estate Law. Their experience and continued education in these fields help elevate the level of legal services we offer.

How do you set your firm apart from others? Sprouse Shrader Smith is equipped to help clients with any legal issue. We have attorneys licensed in Texas, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Colorado and Arkansas who are here to guide you in major life decisions, from setting up your new business entity to helping you make educated decisions regarding your last will and testament. Sprouse has more than 75 attorneys and staff who are dedicated to helping our clients find solutions.

42

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Milestones and awards: This year marks our 30th anniversary. In that time, we have worked to build a culture that allows our different perspectives, backgrounds and experiences to work together and deliver a stronger, more creative work product.

Today, we are excited to feature our Amarillo female attorneys. While we have more work to do to advance diversity and inclusion, we’re investing to move our company and industry forward.

Community involvement: We are proud to have members, associates and staff that contribute their time, knowledge and talent to our community by serving in a variety of nonprofit and civic organizations.

We currently support more than 40 organizations including Opportunity School, Chamber Music Amarillo, Story Bridge, Center City, Amarillo Symphony, Rope for a Cure, and many others.

701 S. Taylor, Suite 500, Amarillo 806.468.3300 • sprouselaw.com

ATTORNEYS YOU SHOULD KNOW

ERIC J. PULLEN, ELDERLAWYER Year established: 2004 Focus: Elder Law, which encompasses a variety of legal fields, such as estate planning and administration; trusts; powers of attorney; special needs planning; end-of-life planning; Medicaid, disability and other long-term care issues, particularly asset protection; guardianship and commitment matters; retirement planning; Social Security benefits; and Medicare.

Memberships and certifications: Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from West Texas A&M University; Juris Doctorate from South Texas College of Law Houston; Amarillo Area Bar Association; National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA); Texas Chapter of NAELA; Better Business Bureau; State Bar of Texas, including the Real Estate, Trust and Probate Section; recognized as among the Top 10 Texas Elder Law Attorneys by the American Institute of Legal Counsel Why did you choose your area of practice? Memories of my grandparents fuel my passion. I strive to be the kind of person that I hope would have been there for them.

What is the cornerstone of your firm? Integrity.

For what are you most known? Being one of the most knowledgeable, qualified, and experienced attorneys in the Texas Panhandle regarding elder law issues, guardianships, trust matters, and probate.

How do you set your firm apart from others? I am not a general practitioner and do not pretend to be the attorney for everything for everyone. My focus and skillset is very narrow and very deep.

If I cannot help a client or believe they would be better helped by another attorney, I don’t hesitate to refer them out.

What do you find most rewarding about being an attorney?

Definitely my clientele. I’m honored that I get to serve veterans, survivors of the Great Depression, and so many people with diverse backgrounds and with such a wealth of experiences.

Community involvement: Frequently volunteer at nonprofits, such as the Texas Panhandle War Memorial Foundation; often serve as an advisor to members of the Texas Legislature, as well as various courts throughout the Panhandle on elder law issues; active in my church and various community service organizations; often requested to speak to groups concerning estate planning and elder law issues.

Pullen Law, PLLC 2903 S. Georgia Street, Amarillo, TX 79109 806.355.8147 • amarilloelderlaw.com SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

43

Events | October 2020 Arts & Entertainment

OCT. 2

FIRST FRIDAY ART WALK

5 p.m. Barnes Jewelry, 100 Westgate Parkway West, 355.9874

OCT. 9

AMARILLO LITTLE THEATRE ACADEMY PRESENTS “10 (THOUSAND) PROBLEMS OF TEENAGE GIRLS 7:30 p.m. ALT Adventure Space, 2751 Civic Circle, 355.9991

CHAMBER MUSIC AMARILLO PRESENTS “BRIDGING THE ATLANTIC” 7:30 p.m. Amarillo Botanical Gardens, 1400 Streit Drive, 236.3545

OCT. 10

AMARILLO LITTLE THEATRE ACADEMY PRESENTS “10 (THOUSAND) PROBLEMS OF TEENAGE GIRLS 2:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. ALT Adventure Space, 2751 Civic Circle, 355.9991

OCT. 11

AMARILLO LITTLE THEATRE ACADEMY PRESENTS “10 (THOUSAND) PROBLEMS OF TEENAGE GIRLS 2:30 p.m. ALT Adventure Space, 2751 Civic Circle, 355.9991

OCT. 12

AMARILLO LITTLE THEATRE PRESENTS “THE CURIOUS INCIDENT OF THE DOG IN THE NIGHT-TIME” 10 a.m. Amarillo Little Theatre Main Stage, 2019 Civic Circle, 355.9991

OCT. 16-17

WEST TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY THEATRE PRESENTS “THEORY OF RELATIVITY” 7:30 p.m. The musical will be streamed online. wtamu.edu/theatre or 651.2804 for ticket information.

OCT. 22

AMARILLO SYMPHONY PRESENTS COPLAND’S “APPALACHIAN SPRING” AND STRAVINSKY’S “L’HISTOIRE DU SOLDAT”

Conductor: Jacomo Rafael Bairos. Digital concert only. Check the symphony’s social media outlets for more details. 376.8782

AMARILLO LITTLE THEATRE PRESENTS “THE CURIOUS INCIDENT OF THE DOG IN THE NIGHT-TIME” 7:30 p.m. Amarillo Little Theatre Main Stage, 2019 Civic Circle, 355.9991

44

AMARILLOMAGONLINE.COM • OCTOBER 2020

As of press time, our October calendar was up to date. It is subject to change due to COVID-19 restrictions.

OCT. 23-24

AMARILLO LITTLE THEATRE PRESENTS “THE CURIOUS INCIDENT OF THE DOG IN THE NIGHT-TIME” 8 p.m. Amarillo Little Theatre Main Stage, 2019 Civic Circle, 355.9991

LONE STAR BALLET PRESENTS “WOLF”

SECOND ANNUAL HOPE FOR OUR HEROES GALA

5:30-9 p.m. Fundraiser for Hope Lives Here. Embassy Suites Downtown, 550 S. Buchanan St., 418.2458

PARTY AT THE PARC

7-10 p.m. Fundraiser will include food trucks, live music, games and art. 413 SW Sixth Ave., 367.8024

8 p.m. Amarillo Civic Center Complex Auditorium, 401 S. Buchanan St., 372-2463

OCT. 8

OCT. 24

Location and time TBA. 379.8800

CHAMBER MUSIC AMARILLO’S FAZIOLI CONCERT SERIES TBA 236.3545

OCT. 29

AMARILLO LITTLE THEATRE PRESENTS “THE CURIOUS INCIDENT OF THE DOG IN THE NIGHT-TIME” 7:30 p.m. Amarillo Little Theatre Main Stage, 2019 Civic Circle, 355.9991

OCT. 30-31

AMARILLO LITTLE THEATRE PRESENTS “THE CURIOUS INCIDENT OF THE DOG IN THE NIGHT-TIME” 8 p.m. Amarillo Little Theatre Main Stage, 2019 Civic Circle, 355.9991

Benefits & Fundraisers

OCT. 1

13TH ANNUAL GOBBLE WOBBLE TURKEY DRIVE

12 p.m. Hosted by Southwest AMBUCS. The Amarillo Country Club, 4800 Bushland Blvd., 355.3371

OCT. 2

PIVOT & PUTT GOLF TOURNAMENT

11 a.m.-8 p.m. Hosted by Amarillo Cattle Baron’s Ball to benefit the American Cancer Society. Tascosa Golf Club, 4502 Fairway Drive, 584.2606

OCT. 2-8

“20X20 EXHIBITION AND SILENT AUCTION”

FLAVORS OF AMARILLO AND MARIACHI FESTIVAL

OCT. 10

HIGH PLAINS RAFFLE RUN

9 a.m.-6 p.m. Proceeds will benefit Family Support Services. Tripps Harley-Davidson, 6040 I-40 West, 352.2021

SHOOT OUT TD1

TBA River Breaks Ranch, 7802 Durrett Drive, 374.0357

OCT. 16

CLAYS FOR KIDS’ SAKE

8 a.m. Benefiting Big Brothers Big Sisters. River Breaks Ranch, 7802 Durrett Drive, 351.2210

OCT. 17

KINDNESS IS THE CAUSE 5K FUN RUN 9 a.m. 817 S. Polk St., 476.0111

PDSG’S AMAZING BUDDY RACE SCAVENGER HUNT

10 a.m. Church of Christ at the Colonies, 4500 Wesley Road, 670.1568

SHOT THROUGH THE HEART SECOND ANNUAL SPORTING CLAYS CHARITY SHOOT

1-11:30 p.m. Fundraiser will benefit The Children’s Heart Lane. River Breaks Ranch, 7802 Durrett Drive, 374.0357

DISCOVER AFTERDARK: DUELING PIANOS 7-11 p.m. Don Harrington Discovery Center, 1200 Streit Drive, 355.9547

OCT. 22

10 a.m.-5 p.m. Bidding will begin on Oct. 2 and end on Oct. 8 at 8 p.m. View artwork online or in person.

Amarillo Museum of Art, 2200 S. Van Buren St., 371.5050

BOOKS TO BROADWAY

OCT. 3

OCT. 23

FIFTH ANNUAL PANHANDLE OILMEN’S SHOOTOUT

8 a.m. Fundraiser will include sporting clay shoot, live music, auction, lunch, Happy Hour, and dinner. River Breaks Ranch, 7802 Durrett Drive, 664.6269

7-9 p.m. Proceeds will benefit the Amarillo Public Library. Amarillo Civic Center Complex Heritage Room, 401 S. Buchanan St., 378.3096

ALZHEIMER’S ASSOCIATION SPORTING CLAYS SHOOT TBA River Breaks Ranch, 7802 Durrett Drive, 374.0357

OCT. 24

SISTER-BEAR SHOOT

1-11 p.m. Fundraiser will benefit the Sister-Bear Fund.

River Breaks Ranch, 7802 Durrett Drive, 374.0357

2020 KHIVA LEGENDARY CAR PARTY

6-9 p.m. Khiva Shrine, 305 SW Fifth Ave., 373.2845

OCT. 31

AMARILLO ZOMBIE WALK 2020

2-5 p.m. McDonald Lake, John Stiff Memorial Park, 4800 Bell St., 373.2292

Music

TUESDAY NIGHTS IN OCTOBER JAZZTOBER

6:30 p.m. Amarillo Chamber of Commerce, 1000 S. Polk St., 372.6744

OCT. 3

HODGETOWN HONKY-TONK

5-10 p.m. Featuring Cooder Graw. Hodgetown Stadium, 715 S. Buchanan St., 803.9547

OCT. 10

CONCERTS IN THE CANYON

6-8 p.m. Featuring Tennessee Tuckness and Friends.

Starlight Canyon Bed & Breakfast, 100 Brentwood Road, 622.2382

PUMPKINFEST

10 a.m.-2 p.m. Amarillo Botanical Gardens, 1400 Streit Drive, 352.6513

OCT. 3-4

2020 ROUND 3 AMA D42 TEXAS STATEWIDE CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES

8 a.m. Bowers MX, 3700 S. Hastings Ave., 671.7010

OCT. 6

NATIONAL NIGHT OUT

5-8 p.m. Annual community-development program will promote police-community partnerships and give participants the opportunity to start a neighborhood watch program and get to know their neighbors. Hosted by Amarillo Police Department.

378.4257

OCT. 9

THE PEDDLER SHOW

11 a.m. Amarillo Civic Center Complex, 401 S. Buchanan St., 378.3096

OCT. 10

THE PEDDLER SHOW

9 a.m. Amarillo Civic Center Complex, 401 S. Buchanan St., 378.3096

HARVEST MARKET

2 p.m. SALT Spices & Specialties, 2625 Wolflin Village, 350.7440

SATURDAYS AND SUNDAYS IN OCTOBER FALL DAYS & GIANT MAZE

11 a.m. Amarillo Civic Center Complex, 401 S. Buchanan St., 378.3096

PARENT’S NIGHT OUT

5 p.m. Warford Activity Center, 1330 NW 18th Ave., 803.9785

OCT. 16-17

GLOW VOLLEYBALL

6 p.m. Warford Activity Center, 1330 NW 18th Ave., 803.9785

OCT. 2

3-4 p.m. Facebook watch party. Llano Cemetery, 2900 S. Hayes St., 376.4538

HISTORIC TWILIGHT TOUR

5 p.m. Warford Activity Center, 1330 NW 18th Ave., 803.9785

OCT. 17-18

OCT. 3

9 a.m. Amarillo Civic Center Complex, 401 S. Buchanan St., 378.3096

6 p.m. Amarillo Civic Center Complex, 401 S. Buchanan St., 378.3096

GLOW-IN-THE-DARK DODGEBALL

9 a.m. Registration required. Warford Activity Center, 1330 NW 18th Ave., 803.9785

OCT. 25

RUFFLES + RUST EXPO

11 a.m.-4 p.m. Amarillo Civic Center Complex, 401 S. Buchanan St., 378.3096

OCT. 27-29

HALLOWEEN LEGO ROBOTIC CAMP

6-8 p.m. Registration required. Warford Activity Center, 1330 NW 18th Ave., 803.9785

OCT. 29

CHAMBER ANNUAL BANQUET & BUSINESS EXCELLENCE AWARDS

6:30-9:30 p.m. Don Harrington Discovery Center, 1200 Streit Drive, 355.9547

OCT. 17

2020 AMARILLO AREA MOTORSPORTS HALL OF FAME INDUCTEE BANQUET

9 a.m.-4 p.m. Amarillo Civic Center Complex, 401 S. Buchanan St., 378.3096

9 a.m.-3 p.m. Food trucks and local vendors.

The Curious Loft, 570 SW 45th Ave., 803.9003

10 a.m. Saturday and 1p.m. Sunday. Maxwell’s Pumpkin Farm, 12908 Bell St.,

PARENT’S NIGHT OUT

RUFFLES + RUST EXPO

OCT. 29-30

THE PEDDLER SHOW

CRAFTERSHIP MARKET

OCT. 24

OCT. 11

1 p.m. 1 Hotel, 2501 I-40 East, 681.9933

SATURDAYS IN OCTOBER

11 a.m.-1 p.m. Registration required. Bowers MX, 3700 S. Hastings Ave., 671.7010

6-9 p.m. Amarillo Civic Center Complex, 401 S. Buchanan St., 342.2018

OCT. 28-31

Special Events

MUD FACTOR AMARILLO 2020

10 A.M. Santa Fe Depot, 401 S. Grant St., 335.6360

ART & CRAFT MARKET

FALL FEST JAMBOREE

OCT. 18

PIONEER GUN SHOW

MONSTER BASH

OCT. 30-31

THE BEAUTY POP-UP

10 a.m. Amarillo Civic Center Complex, 401 S. Buchanan St., 378.3096

OCT. 31

TRUNK OR TREAT

5-6:30 p.m. Hosted by Amarillo Venom. Gene Messer Ford, 3400 Soncy Road, 355.7471

Sports & Recreation

OCT. 13-17

COWBOY MOUNTED SHOOTING ASSOCIATION WORLD FINALS

8 a.m. Tri-State Fairgrounds Amarillo National Center, 3301 SE 10th Ave., 376.7767

OCT. 25-31

USTPA WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP FINALS 2020

9 p.m. Tri-State Fairgrounds Amarillo National Center, 3301 SE 10th A OCTOBER 2020 • AMARILLOMAGONLINE.COM

45

Panhandle Perspective

D. Maldonado

W

hat started as a desire to create an intriguing photograph has turned into a yearly Day of the Dead sugar skull portrait and art series with a celebration (scheduled for Nov. 1-2), allowing me to share a beautiful, often misunderstood part of my culture.

D. MALDONADO Photographer, Artist and Art Advocate Find D on Facebook at facebook.com/dcoolestphotos

46

AMARILLOMAGONLINE.COM • OCTOBER 2020

Amarillo Globe-News

amarillo.com

Amarillo Magazine

one company. countless solutions.

Digital Solutions

Best of Amarillo

Sunday Homes

Amarillo Jobs 600 S. TYLER ST., SUITE 2300 • AMARILLO.COM • 376.4488

OCTOBER 2020 • AMARILLOMAGONLINE.COM

47

20 Questions

RJ SOLEYJACKS What is the best advice you received when you were beginning your career?

Control what you can control. Your actions, attitudes and moods are key factors to effective leadership development. It starts with you. How do you use social media to grow your network? Social media allows you to tell a story without having a relationship with individuals. Make sure your story is accurately told in a positive way. Your social media presence can ruin or magnify an opportunity before it has even begun. I use my social media to tell the story of who I am and what I hold important. How do you maintain balance? Creating pockets of time to work on myself. I start each day at 4 a.m., so I can have some me time before I have to be a dad and husband. This allows me to work out, worship, and give thanks before I give my time being responsible for others. What has been your wisest investment? Real estate. Eleven years ago, my wife and I purchased our first home. After six years, I purchased a rental property that was a duplex. At the 10-year mark of being in our home, we sold both properties and grossed nearly $110,000. How has your past work experience shaped you into a leader? The majority of my work experience hasn’t been glamourous and I have served people in various capacities. A leader cannot lead without learning to serve first. What is the best part about your job? Working with tomorrow’s leaders every day. I chose to become an elementary educator to influence students to get on a positive path and create habits to make it sustainable. At this time in history, we have the opportunity to rewrite what is ‘normal’ in education. COVID has created many challenges, but has also created many opportunities. We are currently in the beginning of tomorrow.

How has mentorship made a difference in your professional and private life? Mentorship has allowed doors of opportunity to fly open. Building quality, holistic friendships and relationships with people has to be at the center of your cause. Trust is key and when people can trust your body of work and consistency, your name speaks for itself. Be vocal when you admire others. This could be the next opportunity in the making.

Which living person do you most admire and why? My parents. They have both walked a path in less than livable standards for any person. My mother, Justina, and father, Rudy, grew up on different sides of the world and found love. My pop’s life started in Panama.

His family was torn apart because of classism in Panama. When my father was 9 years old his mother, Carmen, answered an ad in the newspaper for work as a maid at the Ritz Carlton in New York City. She worked until he was 14 and saved enough money to send for him. My father attended Catholic school in Panama and did chores around the convent to pay his tuition. When my father arrived on U.S. soil, he worked in a beverage distribution center and got paid cash under the table because he was too young to work. He had an opportunity to attend Cornell University on a full academic scholarship and could not take it. As the man of the house, they could not afford for him to go off to school and not be able to contribute to the household. He joined the Marine Corps at 17. My mother was born and raised in the Philippines and did not have many

48

AMARILLOMAGONLINE.COM • OCTOBER 2020

PROVIDED PHOTOS

PRINCIPAL, BIVINS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL, AMARILLO INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT

opportunities growing up. As the oldest of 10 children, she began working full time as soon as she could tell a person in the market a price for an item her family was selling and make sure they received correct payment. Her family could only afford to send her to school up until the sixth grade. At 24, my father and mother married and I was born a year later in Subic Bay, Philippines, on a base outside of Zambales. I was the first child born in a hospital in my family. My older brother and sister were both born in my grandparents’ home in Bengal.

Their stories of sacrifice make me extremely proud to be a First Generation United States Citizen. My father’s time in the Marine Corps helped my family cement its footprint. I have a mission to help change the current standard of life and raise the bar of treatment for all people. When we are the No. 1 superpower in the world and still cannot guarantee a minimum quality of life, it makes it hard to break generational cycles. The Soleyjacks family has been blessed by opportunity and the ability to dream, set attainable goals, and make action plans to create forward movement. Which over-used word or phrase makes you cringe? I hate when people ‘beat the dead horse.’ I prefer solution-based problem-solving. When there is an issue, we must identity it and make a plan that includes team members. What is your business philosophy? Control what you can control. We often waste valuable time and resources complaining and not making actionable positive movement forward. Which quality do you most value in an employee? The ability to honestly identify strengths and weaknesses. What personality trait has most helped you succeed? The ability to see the silver lining in all situations. Who is your favorite author? Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. What did you learn from your best boss? Systems of planning and leadership traits to replicate in my own way. Your worst? When you don’t have a high standard of integrity for yourself, it will lead to instability in your workforce. How can Amarillo improve its business environment? We need to focus on building the standard of the business community. We have begun to create events and networking opportunities that allow us to create the human capital of relationships. This resource must be always built and maintained. It’s nice to walk into a room where you have made connections and expect to be a stranger, but be met with love and respect instead. Most important tech tool: My calendar. It is so low-tech, but with all the options we have today it makes the limited resource of time more manageable. Best time management tool: My phone and use of management tools on it. I can’t live without my: me time.

Each day I have to have this time for balance. When I get home from work, my wife and I have time for ourselves. Each day we give each other time to work on ourselves and carve out time to spend together. I am a better husband, father and son when I have time to work on myself. My favorite thing about Amarillo is: the ability to affect change. Amarillo is growing and a place where your influence can be felt if you want to make a change. There is opportunity all around our town. I love that Amarillo is a big small city. Most unusual job or task: That is subjective; it depends on your state of mind. No task should be unusual for a leader. We must be able to process and respond to the most absurd and out-of-the-box situations.

100 Westgate Parkway 100 Westgate Parkway 806-355-9874 806-355-9874 www.BarnesJewelry.com 100 Westgate Parkway www.BarnesJewelry.com 806-355-9874 www.BarnesJewelry.com

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